Sharia Council raises concern over El-Rufai’s prolonged detention

The Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria (SCSN) has raised concerns over the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, urging authorities to resolve outstanding issues surrounding his bail and ensure that his constitutional rights are protected.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the council said the credibility of Nigeria’s justice system depended on the equal application of the law, regardless of a person’s political status or affiliation.

The statement, signed by the SCSN Secretary-General, Malam Nafi’u Baba-Ahmad, was titled, “Urgent Call for Adherence to Rule of Law in the Continued Detention of Mallam Nasir Ahmed El-Rufa’i.”

The council said it did not condone criminal conduct and had no objection to lawful investigations or prosecution where allegations had been established.

It, however, argued that the process of pursuing justice must itself conform to the law, saying suspects should not be deprived of their fundamental rights outside established legal procedures.

“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’s intervention followed concerns over why El-Rufai remained in custody despite the Federal High Court in Kaduna granting him conditional bail in April.

According to the council, the difficulties surrounding the fulfilment of the bail requirements should be addressed in accordance with constitutional safeguards and applicable laws.

It called on the relevant agencies and other authorities involved in the case to exercise caution and avoid conduct capable of creating the impression that the former governor was being subjected to politically motivated persecution.

The council warned that perceptions of selective or arbitrary justice could have consequences beyond the individual case, particularly by weakening citizens’ confidence in public institutions.

It said Nigeria’s stability and cohesion were dependent, in part, on citizens’ confidence that state institutions would act fairly and independently.

“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,” it stated.

The organisation further urged all stakeholders to demonstrate restraint while allowing the courts and relevant institutions to discharge their responsibilities.

“Justice must not only be done but must be manifestly seen to be done,” the council added.

El-Rufai was taken into custody in February 2026 following investigations into alleged financial and other offences connected with his administration as Kaduna governor.

The former governor has since been involved in proceedings before different security and anti-corruption authorities, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences 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 nevertheless remained in detention amid challenges concerning the fulfilment of the bail conditions and other pending legal proceedings.

The SCSN said it would continue to advocate justice, protection of citizens’ rights and peaceful coexistence, while urging authorities to ensure that the rule of law remains the guiding principle in El-Rufai’s case.