The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria has raised fresh concerns over the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El Rufai, by President Bola Tinubu administration urging authorities to respect his constitutional rights and follow due process.
The council said El Rufai, like every other Nigerian, is entitled to fair treatment and remains presumed innocent until a competent court determines otherwise.
In a statement signed by its Secretary General, Nafiu Baba Ahmad, the council said it was concerned about the circumstances surrounding El Rufai’s detention and reports that difficulties in meeting his bail conditions may be keeping him in custody.
The council stressed that Nigeria is a constitutional democracy where fair hearing, due process and lawful detention must apply regardless of a person’s political position, status or affiliation.
It made clear that its intervention should not be seen as support for any alleged wrongdoing. The council said it does not condone criminality but believes that the process of seeking justice must itself comply with the law.
The group warned that actions seen as arbitrary or politically motivated could weaken public confidence in government institutions and raise questions about the credibility of the justice system.
It therefore called on the authorities handling El Rufai’s cases to act within the Constitution and other applicable laws, while avoiding anything that could create an impression of political persecution.
El Rufai is facing a nine count amended case brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission over allegations linked to his eight years as Kaduna governor.
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 case filed by the Department of State Services over allegations concerning the unlawful recording of telephone conversations linked to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
El Rufai has denied wrongdoing in the cases.
The dispute over his detention has also focused heavily on his bail conditions. The Sharia Council said difficulties surrounding those conditions deserved careful attention because detention must remain within the limits set by law.
The council argued that protecting the rights of an accused person does not prevent the government from prosecuting allegations of corruption or other offences. Rather, it said, a strong justice system must ensure that prosecution and individual rights are protected at the same time.
The council urged all sides to remain calm and allow the courts to determine the cases based on the evidence and applicable law.
It also warned that public confidence in Nigeria’s institutions depends on citizens believing that justice is applied fairly, regardless of political influence or personal status.
The intervention adds to the growing public debate surrounding El Rufai’s continued detention and the conditions attached to his release.
For the Sharia Council, the bigger issue is whether Nigeria’s justice system can pursue serious allegations while also guaranteeing fair treatment to the person facing them.
The council said authorities must ensure that justice is not only done but is clearly seen to be done.
