The Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria (SCSN) has called on relevant authorities to strictly adhere to the rule of law and constitutional provisions in the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai.
In a statement issued on August 31, 2026, the Council said El-Rufai, like every other Nigerian citizen, was entitled to his fundamental rights and must be presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
The statement, signed by the Secretary General of the Council, Nafiu Baba Ahmad, expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding El-Rufai’s continued detention and what it described as apparent difficulties in meeting his bail conditions.
According to the Council, strict adherence to the rule of law remains sacrosanct and must apply equally to all citizens, regardless of their status, political affiliation or personal disposition.
The SCSN said Nigeria operates under a constitutional democracy in which the rights and liberties of citizens must be respected, stressing that due process, fair hearing and lawful detention were fundamental pillars of justice.
“As an organisation committed to justice, fairness, and the rule of law, the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria believes that Nigeria operates under a constitutional democracy where the rights and liberties of all citizens must be respected,” the Council said.
It, however, stressed that its position should not be interpreted as support for criminality, maintaining that anyone accused of wrongdoing must be subjected to lawful procedures.
“The Council therefore wishes to state unequivocally that it does not, under any circumstances, support or condone criminality in any form by anyone. However, the pursuit of justice must itself be just,” the statement said.
The Council warned that actions perceived as arbitrary, politically motivated or inconsistent with the rule of law could undermine public confidence in state institutions and weaken democratic governance.
It consequently urged relevant authorities to ensure that due process was followed at every stage and to refrain from actions that could be perceived as politically motivated persecution.
The SCSN called on authorities to demonstrate fairness, transparency and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law in handling the matter.
The Council further noted that Nigeria’s unity and long-term stability depended largely on the credibility of public institutions and the confidence citizens placed in them.
“Justice must not only be done but must be manifestly seen to be done,” it said, adding that the consistent, impartial and lawful application of justice remained a strong safeguard for national cohesion and sustainable development.
The Council reiterated its commitment to advocating justice, protecting the rights of all citizens and promoting peaceful coexistence across the country.
It also called on all stakeholders to exercise restraint and responsibility and to conduct themselves in accordance with the dictates of the law.
