The son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, has expressed appreciation to former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi for repeatedly checking on his father during his continued detention.
Bello El-Rufai, in a video message, said several prominent Nigerian politicians had contacted him to ask about his father’s condition, but singled out Obi for particular appreciation because of the frequency of his calls.
According to him, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Obi, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso were among those who reached out to him over El-Rufai’s situation.
“I would like to thank them, particularly Mr Peter Obi. He always called me to ask about my dad,” Bello said.
He described Obi’s actions as a personal lesson, noting that he had previously been critical of the former Anambra governor.
“For me, at 38, it’s a lesson in life because, in the case of Obi, I used to be critical of him,” he said.
Bello also provided an update on how his father was spending his time in detention. He said El-Rufai had been using the period to read books, study the Quran and reflect on his experiences.
“And for Malam, he is using the time to finish books, catch up, read the Quran, so it’s also a moment for him in isolation to reflect, plan better, and tone down on things like that,” he added.
El-Rufai has remained in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission amid investigations and separate court proceedings. His continued detention has generated political debate, with supporters and some opposition figures questioning the length of time he has spent in custody.
Obi has been among those publicly calling for due process in the matter. His media aide, Idris Zekeri, recently said the former Anambra governor believed that any allegations against El-Rufai should be established through the courts rather than through prolonged detention.
Zekeri said Obi had repeatedly spoken about the former Kaduna governor’s situation, including through public statements and a press conference, while insisting that Nigerians should have their rights respected regardless of political affiliation.
The ICPC, however, has maintained that El-Rufai’s detention was authorised by court orders. The former governor has challenged aspects of his continued detention and the legal proceedings against him.
Recent court proceedings have added another dimension to the case. The Federal High Court in Abuja has reserved ruling on El-Rufai’s no-case submission in a case involving alleged unlawful interception of telephone communications belonging to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. The court fixed October 26 for the ruling.
Separately, El-Rufai’s N1bn fundamental rights suit against the ICPC, the Inspector-General of Police and the Attorney-General of the Federation has been adjourned until October 27.
The former governor has also recently reflected publicly on the reactions of people who once worked closely with him. In a statement titled “My Relationships and the Aftermath,” El-Rufai said he held no hatred or resentment towards those who had not supported him during his current circumstances.
He said his decisions over the years had been guided by his Islamic faith, personal values and conscience rather than an expectation that people would reciprocate his support.
The latest comments from his son therefore come against a wider political debate surrounding El-Rufai’s detention, his legal battles and the reactions of former political allies.
For Bello, however, Obi’s repeated calls have taken on a more personal significance. His public appreciation highlights how political relationships can change over time, particularly when individuals demonstrate concern across political differences.
The development also comes as opposition figures continue to call for the matter involving the former Kaduna governor to be resolved through due process, while the relevant authorities maintain that the ongoing legal proceedings should take their course.
