Cleric Demands Justice for El-Rufai's Detention in Kaduna

Malam Sunusi Khalil, a renowned Islamic cleric, has publicly called for justice regarding the ongoing detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who has been held since February 16, 2026, on charges including alleged abuse of office, money laundering, and wiretapping. Khalil made these remarks during his Friday sermon at a mosque in Kaduna State, emphasizing that indefinite detention without conviction is unjust.

He questioned the reasons behind El-Rufai's continued detention, especially given El-Rufai's past support for current Governor Uba Sani. Khalil urged that any individual arrested should be subjected to due process and that the public deserves transparency regarding El-Rufai's case.

He also mentioned appeals made to President Bola Tinubu by Islamic and Northern groups, which the President denied involvement in, directing them instead to engage with the Kaduna State Governor. El-Rufai's next court date is set for September 22, 2026, marking 217 days in detention, excluding a brief release to attend his mother's burial.