Shariah Council urges rule of law in El-Rufai’s detention

The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) has urged the authorities to respect the rule of law in the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

In a statement issued on Monday, the council’s Secretary-General, Nafiu Baba Ahmad, said it was concerned about the circumstances surrounding El-Rufai’s detention and the reported challenges in meeting his bail conditions.

The council said the situation could conflict with legal procedures and constitutional protections, noting that El-Rufai, like every Nigerian, has fundamental rights and remains innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.

It stressed that Nigeria operates a constitutional democracy where due process, fair hearing and lawful detention must be respected, regardless of a person’s political position or affiliation.

The SCSN also clarified that its position should not be interpreted as support for any alleged offences committed by the former governor.

“The Council does not, under any circumstances, support or condone criminality in any form by anyone. However, the pursuit of justice must itself be just,” it said.

The council warned that actions seen as arbitrary or politically driven could reduce public trust in government institutions and weaken democratic governance.

It called on the authorities to ensure that all proceedings against El-Rufai comply with the Constitution and other relevant laws.

The SCSN further urged officials to avoid actions that could be viewed as political persecution and instead demonstrate fairness, transparency and respect for the rule of law.

El-Rufai is currently facing legal cases over allegations relating to his administration as governor of Kaduna State.

The former governor is standing trial on a nine-count amended charge brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.

The charges include alleged 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 filed by the Department of State Services. The case involves allegations relating to the unlawful recording of telephone conversations connected to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

El-Rufai has denied wrongdoing, while the legal proceedings and his bail conditions remain contentious.