The Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria has urged relevant authorities to review the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and ensure strict adherence to the rule of law and due process.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its Secretary-General, Malam Nafi’u Baba-Ahmad, the council warned 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,” affirmed the council’s commitment to justice, fairness and the rule of law. It stressed that every Nigerian, regardless of status, political affiliation or personal disposition, is entitled to fundamental rights and remains presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.
“The Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria 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,” the council stated.
It added that while it does not support or condone criminality in any form, the pursuit of justice must itself be just and consistent with established legal procedures and constitutional safeguards.
The council expressed concern over the circumstances of El-Rufai’s continued detention and what it described as apparent difficulty in meeting his bail conditions. “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.”
It called on the authorities to operate strictly within the confines of the Constitution and extant laws, ensuring due process at every stage. The council further urged all stakeholders to exercise restraint and responsibility, warning against any perception of politically motivated persecution.
“Justice must not only be done but must be manifestly seen to be done,” the statement said, noting that consistent, impartial and lawful application of justice remains a safeguard for national cohesion and sustainable development. It appealed to the authorities to refrain from actions that could erode public confidence in state institutions and weaken democratic governance.
El-Rufai’s detention followed his arrest in February 2026 amid investigations into alleged financial and other offences linked to his tenure as Kaduna State governor between 2015 and 2023. He has faced proceedings involving the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
By late August 2026, reports indicated he had spent more than 126 days in custody. One calculation projected that if he remained detained until a September 22 court date, the total would approach 217 days from the initial detention date of 16 February 2026, excluding a brief temporary release to attend his mother’s burial.
In April 2026, a Federal High Court in Kaduna granted him conditional bail in a case involving allegations of abuse of office, money laundering and fraud. Bail was set at N200 million in one proceeding, with multiple conditions including requirements for sureties, landed property documentation and restrictions on public comment. He has remained in custody pending fulfilment of those conditions and while other cases proceed.
A separate Federal High Court in Abuja granted him N100 million bail in May 2026 in a case involving alleged unlawful interception of communications, again with stringent conditions relating to the surety’s residence, grade level, salary evidence, property documents, passport surrender and periodic reporting. Fulfilment of those conditions has also proved challenging.
In at least one ICPC-related matter before a Kaduna State High Court, bail was refused, with the court ordering that he remain in ICPC custody. The former governor has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him and has denied the allegations.
El-Rufai, who served two terms as Kaduna State governor, has been a prominent figure in national politics and previously held federal positions. His legal matters involve multiple courts and agencies, contributing to the complexity of his continued detention.
The Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria’s intervention adds a faith-based institutional voice to ongoing public discussion about the handling of the cases. The council reiterated its commitment to advocating justice, protecting citizens’ rights and fostering peaceful coexistence.
As of early September 2026, El-Rufai remains in custody while legal proceedings continue. Further developments will depend on the fulfilment of bail conditions where granted, rulings in pending applications and the progress of the substantive trials.