Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has alleged that security operatives planned to arrest his elder brother, Bashir El-Rufai, if he had returned to Nigeria for their mother’s burial.
In a viral video, El-Rufai claimed that his brother deliberately stayed away to avoid being detained, suggesting that authorities intended to use the situation as leverage against him.
“My elder brother Bashir could not come because we learned there was a plan to arrest him. They believe if they get him, I will negotiate,” he said.
According to him, the family made a strategic decision to prevent any such arrest by ensuring Bashir remained abroad.
Their mother, Umma El-Rufai, passed away in Cairo, Egypt, on Friday. Her remains were later transported to Abuja, where she was laid to rest on Sunday.
The situation unfolded while El-Rufai was in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over allegations bordering on corruption and money laundering.
He had earlier been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Kaduna on March 24 on a 10-count charge. The case was adjourned to March 31 for the hearing of applications, including his bail request.
El-Rufai was subsequently granted temporary release to attend his mother’s burial rites.
He also confirmed that his brother remained in Cairo throughout the burial period.
