SHARIA COUNCIL CALLS FOR REVIEW OF EL-RUFAI’S CONTINUED DETENTION

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By:Tajudeen Aminat

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, urging strict adherence to due process and the rule of law.

The council made the call in a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its Secretary-General, Nafi’u Baba-Ahmad.

The SCSN warned that actions perceived as arbitrary or politically motivated could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions and weaken trust in the country’s justice system.

The council said it remained committed to 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 the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court.

The statement was titled, “Urgent Call for Adherence to Rule of Law in the Continued Detention of Mallam Nasir Ahmed El-Rufa’i.”

According to the council, it did not support or condone criminality in any form, but insisted that the pursuit of justice must itself conform to established legal procedures and constitutional safeguards.

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.

The SCSN urged relevant authorities to operate strictly within the provisions of the Constitution and existing laws, ensuring that due process was observed at every stage of the case.

The council also called on all stakeholders to exercise restraint and responsibility, cautioning against actions that could be interpreted as politically motivated persecution.

It stressed that Nigeria’s unity and long-term stability depended largely on the credibility of its institutions and the confidence citizens placed in them.

“Justice must not only be done but must be manifestly seen to be done,” the council stated, emphasising the importance of consistent, impartial and lawful application of justice in promoting national cohesion and sustainable development.

The SCSN further appealed to the authorities to avoid actions capable of eroding public confidence in state institutions or weakening the foundations of democratic governance.

It reaffirmed its commitment to promoting justice, protecting citizens’ rights and fostering peaceful coexistence across Nigeria.