The death was announced by Bello El-Rufai, a member of the House of Representatives representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency.

According to Bello, the deceased passed away on Friday after a brief illness.

He wrote in a social media post, “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.”

Safiya Ali Rufai was married to the late Air Vice Marshal Ali Rufai, who was the elder brother of Nasir El-Rufai.

Her death comes at a time when the former governor is reportedly in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.

Bello described the deceased as a woman of strong character and compassion.

“Aunty Safiya was a fierce, disciplined, devout and compassionate woman. A mother to many. She was an ardent disciplinarian,” he said.

He urged the public to pray for the repose of her soul.

“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,” he added.