Sharia Council Asks Authorities To Ensure Rule Of Law In Continued Detention Of El-Rufai

The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) has called on relevant authorities to ensure strict adherence to the rule of law in the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai.

The Council, in a statement issued by its Secretary-General, Nafiu Baba Ahmad, expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding El-Rufai’s continued detention and what it described as the apparent difficulty in meeting the conditions attached to his bail.

It stressed that El-Rufai, like every Nigerian citizen, was entitled to his fundamental rights and remained presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.

According to the SCSN, Nigeria operates a constitutional democracy in which the rights and liberties of citizens must be respected irrespective of their status, political affiliation or personal disposition.

The Council said due process, fair hearing and lawful detention were fundamental principles of justice that must be upheld at all times, stressing that it neither supported nor condoned criminality in any form.

It, however, warned that the pursuit of justice must itself be just, saying actions perceived as arbitrary, politically motivated or inconsistent with the rule of law could erode public confidence in state institutions and weaken democratic governance.

The Council urged the relevant authorities to operate strictly within the provisions of the Constitution and extant laws, while avoiding actions that could be perceived as politically motivated persecution.

It also called for fairness, transparency and due process in handling the matter.

The SCSN further stressed that Nigeria’s unity and long-term stability depended largely on the credibility of its institutions and the trust of citizens.

It maintained that justice must not only be done but must be manifestly seen to be done, while urging all stakeholders to exercise restraint, responsibility and respect for the law.