The continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has triggered fresh concerns, with the Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) urging authorities to respect due process and avoid any action that could be interpreted as political persecution.
In a statement issued by its Secretary-General, Nafiu Baba Ahmad, the council expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding El-Rufai’s detention and reported difficulties in meeting his bail conditions.
The SCSN stressed that El-Rufai remains entitled to his fundamental rights and should be presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.
The council said Nigeria’s constitutional democracy requires authorities to uphold due process, fair hearing and lawful detention, regardless of a person’s political affiliation or status.
It, however, clarified that its intervention should not be interpreted as support for any alleged wrongdoing by the former governor.
“The pursuit of justice must itself be just,” the council said.
Council Raises Alarm Over Possible Political Persecution
The SCSN warned that actions perceived as arbitrary or politically motivated could damage public confidence in state institutions and weaken democratic governance.
It called on the relevant authorities to ensure that every stage of El-Rufai’s legal proceedings is conducted in accordance with the Constitution and other applicable laws.
The council also urged authorities to demonstrate fairness and transparency throughout the process.
What Is El-Rufai Facing?
El-Rufai is currently facing legal proceedings over allegations linked to his tenure as governor of Kaduna State.
The former governor is standing trial on a nine-count amended charge filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The allegations include abuse of office, fraud, irregular award and execution of public contracts, money laundering, conferring undue advantage and unlawful handling of public funds.
He is also facing a separate five-count amended charge brought by the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations concerning the unlawful recording of telephone conversations linked to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
The allegations against El-Rufai remain before the courts and have yet to be proven.
Rule of Law at the Centre of Debate
The Sharia Council’s intervention adds to growing attention surrounding El-Rufai’s detention and bail conditions.
While maintaining that allegations of wrongdoing should be properly investigated, the council argued that the legal process must remain impartial and consistent with Nigeria’s constitutional safeguards.
The dispute now goes beyond El-Rufai’s individual case, with renewed debate over the balance between fighting corruption and ensuring that the criminal justice system is not used for political purposes.
