Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and a member of the House of Representatives, has thanked former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi for regularly checking on his father during his detention.
Bello made this known in an interview with Ibrahim Ismaila Ahmed, which was shared online, while discussing the politicians who had contacted him about his father’s situation. He said Obi’s repeated calls left a strong impression on him, especially because he had previously criticised the former Anambra governor.
According to Bello, several prominent politicians had reached out to ask about his father. He mentioned former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso and Obi among those who contacted him.
Bello gave particular credit to Obi, saying the former governor repeatedly called to ask about Nasir El-Rufai’s condition. He said the experience made him reconsider his earlier criticism of Obi and taught him a personal lesson about political differences and human concern.
Nasir El-Rufai has remained involved in legal proceedings since he was taken into the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission on February 18, 2026, in connection with an ongoing investigation. He has also faced a separate case involving the Department of State Services.
Obi had previously spoken against the continued detention of the former Kaduna governor and called for due process in the cases involving him.
Bello also disclosed that his father had been using his time in detention to read books, study the Quran and reflect on his life and years in public service. He said the period had given the former governor an opportunity to spend time in isolation, review his experiences and think about his next steps.
The continued detention of El-Rufai has attracted attention from political figures and the public, with various actors raising questions about the circumstances surrounding the cases against him and calling for due process.