Supreme Council for Shari’ah raises concerns over Nasir El-Rufai's detention

The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) has expressed concern regarding the continued detention and prosecution of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai. In a statement issued by Secretary-General Nafiu Baba Ahmad, the Council emphasized that the pursuit of justice must be fair and that El-Rufai is entitled to the presumption of innocence and the protection of his fundamental constitutional rights.

El-Rufai is currently facing two distinct sets of legal challenges. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission is prosecuting him on an amended nine-count charge involving allegations of abuse of office, fraud, money laundering, and the irregular handling of public funds during his tenure as governor. Additionally, the State Security Service has instituted a five-count amended charge related to the alleged unlawful recording of telephone conversations involving National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

The SCSN clarified that its intervention does not constitute an endorsement of any alleged criminal activity, stating, “The Council does not, under any circumstances, support or condone criminality in any form by anyone.” However, the Council warned that arbitrary or politically motivated actions could undermine public confidence in government institutions and democratic governance, calling for strict adherence to due process and the rule of law.