The Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria (SCSN) 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 made the call in a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its Secretary-General, Nafi’u Baba-Ahmad.
The statement, titled “Urgent Call for Adherence to Rule of Law in the Continued Detention of Mallam Nasir Ahmed El-Rufa’i,” urged authorities handling the case to ensure strict compliance with due process and constitutional safeguards.
The SCSN said it remained committed to the principles of justice, fairness and the rule of law, stressing that every Nigerian, regardless of status, political affiliation or personal disposition, was entitled to fundamental rights and presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.
The council said it did not support or condone criminality but maintained that the pursuit of justice must itself be guided by established legal procedures.
It expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding El-Rufai’s continued detention, particularly 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 stated.
The SCSN urged the relevant authorities to operate strictly within the provisions of the Constitution and extant laws and ensure that due process was observed at every stage of the proceedings.
It also called on all stakeholders to exercise restraint and responsibility, cautioning against actions that could be interpreted as politically motivated persecution.
According to the council, the stability and unity of Nigeria depend largely on the credibility of public institutions and the confidence citizens have in them.
“Justice must not only be done but must be manifestly seen to be done,” it said, emphasising that consistent, impartial and lawful application of justice was essential to national cohesion and sustainable development.
The council further appealed to the authorities to avoid actions that could erode public confidence in state institutions or weaken the foundations of democratic governance.
It reaffirmed its commitment to promoting justice, protecting citizens’ rights and fostering peaceful coexistence across Nigeria.
