Mohammed Bello El-Rufai says Peter Obi often called to ask about his detained father, Nasir El-Rufai, calling it a lesson in life.
Mohammed Bello El-Rufai has opened up about the support his family received during his father’s legal troubles. The Kaduna North lawmaker said several political leaders checked on his detained father, Nasir El-Rufai.
According to Mohammed, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi contacted him. He also mentioned Rotimi Amaechi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
The politicians reportedly called to ask about Nasir El-Rufai’s condition. Their calls also gave the family encouragement during a difficult period.
Peter Obi’s Calls Touched El-Rufai’s Son
Mohammed said Peter Obi’s calls meant a lot to him. He explained that Obi repeatedly checked on his father.
The lawmaker also admitted that he once criticised the former Anambra governor publicly. Despite that history, Obi still reached out to him.
“I would like to thank them, particularly Mr Peter Obi. He always called me to ask about my dad,” Mohammed said.
“For me, at 38, it’s a lesson in life because, in the case of Obi, I used to be critical of him.”
His comments highlight a different side of political relationships. Political disagreements, he suggested, do not always prevent people from showing concern.
Other Political Leaders Also Reached Out
Mohammed said Atiku Abubakar also contacted him about his father. He added that Amaechi and Kwankwaso made similar calls.
The former Kaduna governor’s legal troubles have attracted significant public attention. Authorities arrested him in February 2026 following investigations into alleged financial offences.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission later filed several charges against him. These included allegations linked to money laundering, railway contracts and CCTV contracts.
The Department of State Services also brought a separate case against him. That case involved allegations concerning unauthorised access to telephone conversations.
El-Rufai Uses Detention Time to Reflect
Despite the legal battles, Mohammed said his father has remained focused on personal reflection.
“He is using the time to finish books, catch up, read the Quran,” he said.
According to Mohammed, his father has also used the period to reflect and plan. He said the former governor wants to use the experience to rethink some things.
Nasir El-Rufai later secured bail in one of the cases before the Federal High Court in Abuja. The court granted bail at ₦100 million with one surety.
However, the legal proceedings have continued. His family and supporters continue to follow the cases closely.
For Mohammed, though, the experience has also brought an unexpected lesson. The calls from political figures showed him that personal relationships can go beyond political disagreements.
