Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Supreme Council for Shari'ah in Nigeria (SCSN) has issued a strong warning to the Federal Government over the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, cautioning that actions perceived as arbitrary or politically motivated could erode public trust and weaken Nigeria's democracy.
In a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Nafiu Baba Ahmad, on Monday, August 31, 2026, the council expressed deep concern over the circumstances surrounding El-Rufai's detention, particularly the "apparent difficulty in meeting his bail conditions". The council stressed that El-Rufai, like every Nigerian citizen, is entitled to fundamental rights and is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.
"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 read. "The principles of due process, fair hearing, and lawful detention are not optional, but fundamental pillars of justice that must be upheld at all times".
While the SCSN made it clear that it does not condone criminality in any form, it warned that the pursuit of justice must itself be just. "Actions perceived as arbitrary, politically motivated, or inconsistent with the rule of law risk undermining public confidence in state institutions and eroding the very fabric of democratic governance," the council declared. The council urged authorities to act strictly within the confines of the Constitution and to refrain from any actions that may be perceived as politically motivated persecution.
El-Rufai, who governed Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023, has been in custody since February 2026. He is currently facing a nine-count amended charge filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) before the Federal High Court in Abuja. The charges 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 tenure. He is also facing a separate five-count amended charge instituted by the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations of unlawfully taping telephone conversations linked to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The former governor's legal troubles have been compounded by bail conditions that critics say are deliberately impossible to meet. According to reports, El-Rufai was granted bail of N100 million, but he has been unable to satisfy the conditions, including the requirement for sureties with properties in Abuja. His family has protested his continued detention, alleging that he was taken into DSS custody instead of being returned to the ICPC as ordered by the court. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has also called for his release, arguing that bail conditions should secure attendance in court, not guarantee continued incarceration.
The SCSN's intervention comes as El-Rufai's case continues to generate political tension ahead of the 2027 elections. The council's warning underscores growing concerns that the legal proceedings against the former governor may be politically motivated. "Justice must not only be done but must be manifestly seen to be done," the SCSN said. "The consistent, impartial, and lawful application of justice remains the strongest safeguard for national cohesion and sustainable development".
As El-Rufai remains in custody, his supporters and critics alike are watching closely to see whether the authorities will heed the Sharia Council's call for fairness and transparency—or whether his detention will become another flashpoint in Nigeria's increasingly polarized political landscape.
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