Grace Adeleke
The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria has raised fresh concerns over the continued detention and prosecution of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, urging authorities to ensure that his fundamental rights are protected and that the rule of law is strictly followed.
The council, in a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Nafiu Baba Ahmad, said El-Rufai, like every other Nigerian, should be presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.
It warned that any action perceived as arbitrary, politically motivated or inconsistent with due process could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s institutions and weaken democratic governance.
El-Rufai is currently facing a nine-count amended charge before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission over alleged abuse of office, fraud, irregular award and execution of public contracts, money laundering, conferring undue advantage and unlawful handling of public funds during his tenure as Kaduna governor.
He is also facing a separate five-count amended charge filed by the Department of State Services over allegations relating to the unlawful interception of telephone conversations linked to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The Shari’ah council said its intervention was not intended to excuse alleged wrongdoing, stressing that it does not support criminality by anyone.
Rather, it said its concern was that the legal process must remain transparent, impartial and consistent with constitutional safeguards.
“As an organisation committed to justice, fairness, and the rule of law, the Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria believes that Nigeria operates under a constitutional democracy where the rights and liberties of all citizens must be respected, irrespective of status, political affiliation, or personal disposition,” the statement said.
It added that “due process, fair hearing, and lawful detention are not optional, but fundamental pillars of justice that must be upheld at all times.”
The council urged the relevant authorities to operate strictly within the provisions of the Constitution and other extant laws throughout the proceedings.
It particularly cautioned against actions that could give the impression that the former governor was being subjected to politically motivated persecution.
“The Council therefore calls on the relevant authorities to act strictly within the confines of the Constitution and all extant laws by ensuring that due process is followed at every stage,” it said.
The group also warned that the credibility of Nigeria’s institutions was critical to national stability, saying justice must not only be done but must also be seen to have been done.
“Nigeria’s unity and long-term stability are inextricably tied to the credibility of its institutions and the trust reposed in them by the citizenry,” the council said.
The council called on all stakeholders to exercise restraint and responsibility, urging them to allow the legal process to run its course in accordance with the law.
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