El-Rufai’s son thanks Peter Obi for support during father’s detention

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 repeatedly checking on his father while he remained in detention.

Bello, who spoke during an interview with Ibrahim Ismaila Ahmed which was uploaded on Monday and went viral on Tuesday, said Obi’s calls had taught him a personal lesson, noting that he had previously been critical of the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate.

El-Rufai has been in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission since February 18, 2026, over an ongoing investigation.

Speaking about those who had reached out to the family, Bello said, “From Waziri Adamawa, to His Excellency, Governor Peter Obi, to His Excellency, Rotimi Amaechi, I’m calling politicians here now, to Jagaban, our father Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and many others, I would like to thank them.”

He singled out Obi for repeatedly calling to check on his father.

“Particularly Governor Peter Obi, you know, he kept calling, you know, like he would just call me just to see how… You know, and for me at 38 years old, it’s a lesson in life.

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“You know, because in the case of Governor Peter Obi, I used to be critical of him, but, you know… You know, so it’s a lesson.”

Obi had previously condemned El-Rufai’s prolonged detention, describing it as political persecution.

Bello also said his father had used the period in detention to read, study the Quran and reflect on his life and work.

“And as for Malam, he’s using the time to finish books, catch up, read the Qur’an, which is always, for his, you know, for 10 years he’s been working.

“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.

El-Rufai’s detention has also drawn public attention, with opposition figures and other political actors calling for his release or questioning the circumstances surrounding his continued detention.