El-Rufai's Son Honors Father's 66th Birthday Amid EFCC Detention, Cites Quranic Verse
Hon Bello El-Rufai has publicly celebrated his father, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, on his 66th birthday, offering heartfelt praise despite the former Kaduna governor's current detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). In a social media post, Bello described his father as an impeccable administrator, a courageous leader, and a bold reformer, emphasizing the honor of being called El-Rufai's son.
Birthday Tribute Amid Legal Troubles
Via his X handle @B_ELRUFAI on Monday, February 16, 2026, Bello El-Rufai, the federal lawmaker representing Kaduna North constituency in the House of Representatives, shared a touching message. He wrote, "Happy 66th Birthday to our dear father, His Excellency, Mallam Nasir @elrufai. I have said this before, and I will say it again. I also love to proudly say it. One of the greatest honours of my life is being called your son. You are an impeccable administrator, a courageous leader, a bold reformer, and a fantastic father. No son could have asked for a better father."
Amid the ongoing EFCC detention related to alleged N432 billion corruption and cybercrime charges, Bello quoted a Quranic verse from Surah Al-Anfal 8:30, stating, 'They plan, and Allah plans. And Allah is the best of planners.' This reflection underscores the family's faith and resilience during this challenging period.
Praise for Leadership and Legacy
Bello further hailed his father as the father of Modern Kaduna and the original restorer of the Abuja Master Plan during his tenure as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. He expressed hope that El-Rufai appreciates the widespread admiration from people he has never met, attributing it to years of excellent service to Nigeria.
The birthday celebration comes as El-Rufai remains in EFCC custody following an overnight detention in Abuja. EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed that El-Rufai honored the commission's invitation, with investigations progressing. Federal Government prosecutors have filed cybercrime charges against him for allegedly unlawfully intercepting National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu's phone communications.
Public Reactions and Political Context
Nigerians have reacted diversely to El-Rufai's birthday in detention. Some social media users criticized the political dynamics, with comments like "Your party APC is giving him a treat of his life" and "He showed what it means to lead with vision, discipline, and courage." Others expressed support, wishing him long life and greater influence.
Political analyst Reno Omokri noted that no leaders from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) accompanied El-Rufai to the EFCC, highlighting potential political isolation. Omokri linked this to past controversies and criminal associations, warning of implications from El-Rufai's alleged involvement in a hacking syndicate.
This event adds to the ongoing narrative of El-Rufai's legal battles and political standing, with sources indicating fresh drama as he accuses Ribadu's office of importing poison. The situation continues to unfold, reflecting broader issues of governance and accountability in Nigeria.
