El-Rufai’s Son Thanks Peter Obi for Checking on Detained Father

Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has thanked Peter Obi for repeatedly checking on his father while he remains in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

Bello, who represents Kaduna North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, made the disclosure in an interview with Ibrahim Ismaila Ahmed, which was uploaded online and later circulated widely.

He said several prominent politicians had contacted him to ask about the condition of his father, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso and Obi.

Bello, however, singled out Obi for particular appreciation, saying the former Anambra State governor had repeatedly called to ask about Nasir El-Rufai.

“I would like to thank them, particularly Mr Peter Obi. He always called to ask about my dad,” Bello said.

He added that Obi's gesture had taught him a personal lesson because he had previously been critical of the former Anambra governor.

“And for me, at 38, it’s a lesson in life because, in the case of Obi, I used to be critical of him,” Bello said.

Bello also spoke about how his father has been spending his time in detention. He said the former governor had been reading books, studying the Quran and reflecting on his experiences.

“And as for Malam, he’s using the time to finish books, catch up, read the Qur’an... So it’s also a moment for him to, in isolation, to reflect, to plan better, to tone down, and things like that,” he said.

Nasir El-Rufai has been in ICPC custody since February 2026 amid investigations and legal proceedings concerning allegations linked to his tenure as Kaduna State governor. The allegations have not been established as a finding of guilt.

The former governor is also pursuing legal action over his detention and other actions by the authorities. His ₦1 billion fundamental-rights suit against the ICPC, Inspector-General of Police and Attorney-General of the Federation was adjourned by the Federal High Court in Abuja to October 27, 2026.

Obi had previously criticised El-Rufai's detention, describing it as “political persecution” and calling for the rule of law to prevail.

Bello's latest comments come as political activity builds ahead of the 2027 general elections, with several opposition figures maintaining contact with the El-Rufai family despite past political differences.