ABUJA, Nigeria — The Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria has called on relevant authorities to review the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
The council issued a statement on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, signed by its Secretary-General Nafi’u Baba-Ahmad, urging authorities to ensure that due process is followed in handling the case. Okay News reports that the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria stated that actions perceived as arbitrary or politically motivated could undermine public confidence in Nigeria‘s democratic institutions.
The statement, titled “Urgent Call for Adherence to Rule of Law in the Continued Detention of Mallam Nasir Ahmed El-Rufa’i,” expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the detention and the apparent difficulty in meeting bail conditions.
The council stated, “The Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria (SCSN) firmly believes that strict adherence to the rule of law is sacrosanct and must apply equally to all citizens, irrespective of status, political affiliation, or personal disposition.”
It added, “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 urged all stakeholders to exercise restraint and warned against actions that could erode public confidence in state institutions.
It stated, “Justice must not only be done but must be manifestly seen to be done.”
