Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, the mother of detained former Kaduna State Governor Malam Nasir El-Rufai, is dead

Her grandson, Hon. Bello El-Rufai, confirmed the development on Friday in a Facebook post:

“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. I would like to inform the public of the demise of my Grandmother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai who passed away a few hours ago. She is the biological mother of our father, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.

We are grateful for the life she lived and may Allah SWT bless her gentle soul. On behalf of our family, we seek your prayers.”

She died at a time El-Rufai remains in custody following his arraignment by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission on a 10-count charge bordering on alleged conversion of public property and money laundering. 

The Deputy Governor of Kano State, Aminu Abdusalam Gwarzo, has resigned from office ahead an ongoing impeachment process by the State House of Assembly.

Spokesperson for Kwankwasiyya Movement , Habibu Mohammed, confirmed the resignation in a statement on Friday, stating that the decision was taken in the overall interest of the people and to ensure stability in the state’s governance.

The Assembly had earlier issued an impeachment notice to the deputy governor over allegations of misappropriation and gave him a two-week ultimatum to respond. The deadline elapsed penultimate Friday,

The statement explained that recent developments had significantly limited the deputy governor’s ability to fully discharge the responsibilities of his office, making it necessary for the position to function without constraints in the public interest.

It, however, clarified that the decision to step down does not amount to an admission of the allegations leveled against him by the Kano State House of Assembly.

The embattled deputy governor who is a strong ally of Rabiu Kwankwaso refused to follow the governor to join the APC.

The Abia State Government on Thursday, March 26, 2026, organised a grand state burial service in honour of the late Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, one of Nigeria’s most influential Christian evangelists and founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association.

The solemn ceremony took place at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Ogurube Layout, Umuahia, beginning at 10:00 a.m. It drew top government officials, religious leaders, and mourners from across Nigeria and beyond to celebrate the life and legacy of the cleric, who died on October 6, 2025, at the age of 80.

The remains of Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, a native of Asaga in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, were earlier received with full honours at the Akwa Ibom-Abia state boundary before being conveyed to Umuahia for the state funeral service.

The body had previously lain in state in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where he resided for many years.

Governor Alex Otti’s administration described the late evangelist as a “towering figure” whose life of faith, leadership, and humanitarian impact left an indelible mark on Abia State, Nigeria, and the global Christian community.

The state burial was part of a week-long programme of funeral rites that culminated in the final interment on Friday, March 27, 2026, at his hometown of Asaga, Ohafia.

Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, born on January 7, 1945, was celebrated as an international preacher who ministered for nearly six decades. He was widely respected for his powerful crusades, teachings on faith and prosperity, and establishment of numerous charitable initiatives, including educational and medical outreach programmes.

Dignitaries in attendance included senior government functionaries, clergy from various denominations, and notable figures who paid glowing tributes to his spiritual legacy and contributions to nation-building through the gospel.

The state burial reflects Abia’s recognition of Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai’s immense role in promoting moral values and spiritual development. Family members, while expressing gratitude for the honour bestowed on their patriarch, described his passing as a “glorious home-going.

”As the final interment proceeds today in Asaga, Ohafia, many have described the occasion as not just a farewell but a celebration of a life well-lived in service to God and humanity.

The Abia State Government has urged residents and visitors to observe the period with dignity and solemnity.