An associate of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has revealed details of his time in detention, saying the ex-governor devoted himself to fasting, religious study, and intellectual pursuits while in custody.

Speaking shortly after his release, the associate said El-Rufai is now back home and reunited with his family, friends, and close allies.

The associate identified as Bashir Garba Sufyan took to his X account to say, “Alhamdulillah, Mallam is home with his family, friends and associates. The first thing he told us was that, since his detention, he had been fasting until yesterday.

“He also completed the Holy Qur’an while in detention, read 10 books, and has written some as well. And you wonder why he’s great and undefeated.”

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) had on Friday released El-Rufai, who had been in its custody since February 19, 2026.

He was arrested after leaving custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where he was grilled for 48 hours.

The ICPC had arraigned him on a 10-count charge bordering on alleged conversion of public property and money laundering.

He was arraigned before a Federal High Court in Kaduna, which adjourned his application for bail till March 31.

But hours after his mother died in Cairo, Egypt, the anti-graft agency freed the former governor, who has denied all the allegations leveled against him.

An ally of El-Rufai confirmed his release to Daily Trust but did not go into details.

Bashir El-Rufai, the former governor’s son, also confirmed that his father had been set free.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu; Governor Uba Sani; and Malam Nuhu Ribadu, have all condoled with El-Rufai over his mother’s death.

Their comments have attracted divergent reactions on social media, with some describing the ordeal of the former governor as a family affair among the elites. (Weekend Trust, excluding headline)

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