Nasir El-Rufai: Sharia Council Finally Reacts to Former Governor's Detention
- The Supreme Council for Shari'ah in Nigeria voiced concern over the continued detention of former Kaduna state governor Nasir El-Rufai
- El-Rufai is facing separate charges from the ICPC and DSS over alleged fraud, abuse of office, and unlawful phone tapping
- The Council urged authorities to follow due process and warned that arbitrary actions could erode public trust in Nigerian institutions
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The Supreme Council for Shari'ah in Nigeria (SCSN) has spoken out over the ongoing detention of former Kaduna state governor Nasir El-Rufai, urging relevant authorities to respect due process and avoid any conduct that could be interpreted as politically motivated persecution.
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 said adherence to the rule of law is non-negotiable and must apply equally to all citizens regardless of their standing in society.
Source: Twitter
Charges against El-Rufai
El-Rufai is currently standing trial before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (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.
Daily Trust reported that separately, the Department of State Services (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
While making clear that the Council does not tolerate criminal behaviour by anyone, the SCSN said the circumstances surrounding El-Rufai's case raise questions about whether established legal procedures are being properly followed. It 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.
Tension as ADC criticises Tinubu
Legit.ng earlier reported that ADC national publicity secretary Bolaji Abdullahi issued a direct warning to President Tinubu over the detention of former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai.
Abdullahi alleged that El-Rufai's continued custody is politically motivated and designed to sideline him from the 2027 elections.
El-Rufai is facing separate trials by the DSS and ICPC, with his bail application dismissed in early July, while his wives appealed to Tinubu for help.
Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
