NSCIA Raises Concerns Over El-Rufai's Detention

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has publicly addressed the ongoing detention of former Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, alleging that external and religious forces are influencing the situation. NSCIA Secretary-General, Prof Is-haq Oloyede, stated that while the council initially viewed the prosecution as a routine judicial matter, recent developments prompted a reassessment.

This statement follows remarks by Minister of Defence General Christopher Musa (rtd.), who accused El-Rufai of orchestrating killings in Southern Kaduna during his tenure from 2015 to 2023, describing the security situation as "toxic." El-Rufai's family, represented by his eldest son Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, rejected these allegations and demanded evidence or a public retraction from Musa within seven days. The NSCIA expressed concern that the Defence Minister's comments indicated a potential sectarian bias against El-Rufai and urged federal authorities to prevent individuals with religious interests from manipulating the legal system.

The council also called for public restraint to ensure a fair trial for El-Rufai.