Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai is mourning the death of his sister-in-law, Safiya Ali Rufai, who passed away after a brief illness.

She died on Friday, March 20, 2026, on the day of the Sallah celebration.

Safiya was married to the late Air Vice Marshal Ali Rufai, the elder brother of El-Rufai, making her a key member of the extended family.

Her death was announced by Bello El-Rufai, son of the former governor and a member of the House of Representatives representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency.

Family members described the late Safiya as a disciplined and devoted woman who played an important role in raising many within the family.

She was also known for her strong religious life and commitment to family values.

Her passing comes years after the loss of two of her daughters, adding to the grief within the family.

Relatives and associates are currently mourning her death and praying for her soul.

Bello wrote on social media: “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. May Allah SWT bless the gentle soul of our mother, Aunty Safiya Ali Rufai. She sadly passed away today on Sallah day after a brief illness. Another reminder of the fickle nature of life. She will be dearly missed. She was married to our late father, Air Vice Marshal, (Baba) Ali Rufai.

“He was the elder brother of our beloved father, Mallam Nasiru @elrufai and the patriarch of our family, Baba Bashir El-Rufai. Aunty Safiya was fierce, disciplined, devout and compassionate woman. A mother to many. She was an ardent disciplinarian. She will be missed dearly. I implore the general public to pray for her soul to be elevated to the highest level of paradise. May Allah SWT bless the souls of all our loved ones. Allah ya kara mana hakuri. Allah ya jikan Yaya Zainabu da Yaya Farida. Both her daughters that passed away years ago. Indeed, Allah knows best.”