Sharia Council Urges Fairness in El-Rufai's Detention

The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) has called for respect for the rule of law concerning the ongoing detention of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai amid his legal challenges. In a statement issued on Monday by Secretary-General Nafiu Baba Ahmad, the council expressed concern over the circumstances of El-Rufai's detention and the difficulties he faces in meeting his bail conditions.

The SCSN emphasized that El-Rufai is entitled to his fundamental rights and should be presumed innocent until proven guilty. The council highlighted the importance of due process and lawful detention in Nigeria's constitutional democracy, urging authorities to avoid actions perceived as politically motivated.

El-Rufai is currently facing legal proceedings initiated by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on nine counts, including abuse of office and money laundering, as well as a five-count charge from the Department of State Services (DSS) related to unlawful telephone tapping.