The Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria (SCSN) has urged authorities to review the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, warning that any action seen as arbitrary or politically driven could damage public trust in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
The council made the call in a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its Secretary-General, Malam Nafi’u Baba-Ahmad, titled, “Urgent Call for Adherence to Rule of Law in the Continued Detention of Mallam Nasir Ahmed El-Rufa’i.”
The SCSN stressed that the handling of El-Rufai’s case must comply with constitutional provisions and established legal procedures, noting that the rule of law should apply equally to every citizen regardless of status, political affiliation or personal disposition.
“The Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria (SCSN) 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.”
While stating that it neither supported nor condoned criminality, the council maintained that efforts to prosecute alleged offences must themselves be guided by fairness, due process and constitutional safeguards.
The council said it was particularly concerned about the circumstances surrounding El-Rufai’s continued detention, including the apparent difficulties in fulfilling the conditions attached to his bail.
“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.”
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It therefore called on the relevant authorities to remain within the limits of the Constitution and extant laws throughout the proceedings, while urging stakeholders to act with restraint and responsibility.
The SCSN also cautioned against measures that could create the impression of politically motivated persecution, saying the credibility of Nigeria’s institutions was crucial to maintaining national unity, stability and public confidence.
“Justice must not only be done but must be manifestly seen to be done,” it stated, stressing that the consistent, impartial and lawful administration of justice was essential to national cohesion and sustainable development.
The council further appealed to the authorities to avoid actions capable of weakening confidence in state institutions and undermining the foundations of democratic governance.
It reaffirmed its commitment to promoting justice, defending citizens’ rights and encouraging peaceful coexistence across Nigeria.
El-Rufai’s continued detention dates back to his arrest in February 2026 over investigations into alleged financial and other offences connected to his tenure as Kaduna State governor.
His case has involved proceedings before various 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. He has, however, remained in custody amid challenges in meeting the bail conditions and other pending legal proceedings.