The Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria has called on relevant authorities to review the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, warning that actions perceived as arbitrary or politically motivated could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
The council, in a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its Secretary-General, Malam Nafi’u Baba-Ahmad, urged the authorities to ensure that due process was followed in handling El-Rufai’s case.
The statement, titled “Urgent Call for Adherence to Rule of Law in the Continued Detention of Mallam Nasir Ahmed El-Rufa’i,” said the council remained committed to justice, fairness and the rule of law.
“The Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria firmly believes that strict adherence to the rule of law is sacrosanct and must apply equally to all citizens, irrespective of status, political affiliation, or personal disposition,” the council said.
The SCSN stressed that while it did not support or condone criminality in any form, the pursuit of justice must itself be just and consistent with established legal procedures and constitutional safeguards.
It expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding El-Rufai’s continued detention and what it described as the apparent difficulty in meeting his bail conditions.
“Like every Nigerian, Malam Nasir El-Rufai is entitled to his fundamental rights and is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction,” the council said.
The SCSN urged the relevant authorities to operate strictly within the confines of the Constitution and extant laws, ensuring that due process was observed at every stage.
It also called on all stakeholders to exercise restraint and responsibility, warning against actions that could be perceived as politically motivated persecution.
According to the council, Nigeria’s unity and long-term stability were closely tied to the credibility of its institutions and the trust reposed in them by citizens.
“Justice must not only be done but must be manifestly seen to be done,” it said, stressing that the consistent, impartial and lawful application of justice remained a strong safeguard for national cohesion and sustainable development.
The council further appealed to the authorities to refrain from actions that could erode public confidence in state institutions and weaken the foundations of democratic governance.
It reiterated its commitment to advocating justice, protecting the rights of citizens and fostering peaceful coexistence across the country.
El-Rufai’s continued detention followed his arrest in February 2026 amid investigations into alleged financial and other offences linked to his administration as Kaduna State governor.
He subsequently faced proceedings involving different security and anti-corruption agencies, including the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
In April, the Federal High Court in Kaduna granted him conditional bail in a case involving allegations of abuse of office, money laundering and fraud.
However, he remained in custody amid difficulties surrounding the fulfilment of his bail conditions and other pending legal proceedings.
