The Supreme Council for Shari'ah in Nigeria (SCSN) has voiced concern over the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, urging authorities to respect due process and avoid actions that could be seen as politically motivated persecution.
SCSN Calls for Due Process and Presumption of Innocence
In a statement signed by the Council's Secretary General, Nafiu Baba Ahmad, the SCSN said El-Rufai is entitled to his fundamental rights as a Nigerian citizen and must be presumed innocent until a court rules otherwise. The group emphasized that adherence to the rule of law is non-negotiable and must apply equally to all citizens regardless of their standing in society.
The Council's reaction comes as El-Rufai faces separate charges from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Department of State Services (DSS). The SCSN made clear it does not tolerate criminal behaviour by anyone, but said the circumstances surrounding the case raise questions about whether established legal procedures are being properly followed.
Charges Against El-Rufai
El-Rufai is currently standing trial before the ICPC on a nine-count amended charge. The allegations include abuse of office, fraud, irregular award and execution of public contracts, money laundering, conferring undue advantage, and unlawful handling of public funds during his time as Kaduna State governor.
Separately, the DSS has filed a five-count amended charge against him, accusing him of unlawfully recording telephone conversations linked to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
SCSN's Warning to Authorities
The SCSN warned that arbitrary actions by state institutions, particularly those perceived as politically driven, risk undermining public confidence in those same institutions. The Council called on all relevant authorities to act strictly within the limits of the law and to ensure that the pursuit of the case does not cross into what it described as persecution.
The Council's statement underscores the need for all citizens, regardless of their standing, to be treated equally under the law, and for state institutions to maintain public trust by adhering to due process.
