The Federal Government has approved a temporary release for former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to enable him attend the burial of his late mother, in a move widely viewed as a humanitarian intervention within ongoing legal proceedings.

Hajia Umma El-Rufai passed away on Friday in Cairo, Egypt, where she had been undergoing medical treatment. Following her death, authorities permitted the former Federal Capital Territory minister, currently in custody over corruption-related allegation, to leave detention briefly for funeral rites.

Reacting to the development, Abuja-based constitutional lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, described the decision as compassionate but emphasized the importance of due legal process.

He noted that while the gesture reflects empathy, it must be supported by a valid court order, given that El-Rufai’s detention was initially sanctioned by the court. According to him, allowing the former governor to attend his mother’s burial represents a balance between enforcing the law and respecting human dignity.

Adeyanju further clarified that temporary release or bail, whether granted administratively or judicially, should not be interpreted as avoidance of justice, but rather as a lawful consideration under exceptional circumstances.

The former governor is currently being held by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission following his arraignment on allegations linked to corruption and abuse of office. His detention came after a court ruling that found sufficient grounds for remand pending further proceedings.

However, temporary releases of detainees for significant family obligations are not unprecedented in Nigeria’s justice system. Such decisions are typically granted under strict conditions, reflecting an effort to accommodate personal circumstances without undermining the rule of law.