Sharia Council Demands Urgent Review of El-Rufai’s Prolonged Detention, Warns Against Political Witch-Hunt

The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) has called on the Federal Government and prosecuting authorities to review the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, insisting that legal proceedings against him must strictly align with the rule of law.

In an official statement issued by the Council’s Secretary-General, Nafiu Baba Ahmad, the apex Islamic body expressed deep worry over the circumstances surrounding El-Rufai’s extended incarceration and the stringent conditions that have hindered his release on bail.

The Council maintained that Nigeria operates as a constitutional democracy where the fundamental rights of all citizens must be preserved, regardless of their political leanings or public standing. It stressed that due process, lawful detention, and the presumption of innocence are non-negotiable pillars of justice that state agencies must uphold.

While clarifying that its intervention should not be mistaken for shielding public officials from accountability, the SCSN asserted that the search for justice must itself remain lawful and transparent. The council warned that actions appearing arbitrary or politically motivated could damage public faith in national institutions and threaten democratic governance.

The former governor is currently facing multi-agency prosecutions. These include an amended nine-count charge brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over alleged contract irregularities, abuse of office, and fund management during his eight-year governorship in Kaduna State, as well as a five-count charge initiated by the Department of State Services (DSS) concerning alleged unauthorized telephone recordings.

Reiterating that the nation’s stability depends heavily on the impartial administration of justice, the SCSN urged all judicial and security institutions involved to act within constitutional boundaries, demonstrate fairness, and ensure that justice is seen to be served without prejudice.