The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) has called on the Federal Government to ensure that the rule of law is adequately observed in the detention and trial of the former Kaduna State Governor, Malam 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 the apparent difficulty in meeting his bail conditions.
The SCSN said that El-Rufai, like every Nigerian, was entitled to his fundamental rights and remained presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.

The Council pointed out that “Nigeria operates under a constitutional democracy in which the rights and liberties of citizens must be respected regardless of their status, political affiliation or personal disposition”.

According to SCSN, due process, “fair hearing and lawful detention were fundamental pillars of justice that must be upheld at all times”, while adding that the Council itself “did not support or condone criminality in any form.”

The Council, however, warned that the pursuit of justice must itself be just, stressing that “actions perceived as arbitrary, politically motivated or inconsistent with the rule of law could undermine public confidence in state institutions and weaken democratic governance.”

It therefore urged the relevant authorities to operate strictly within the confines of the Constitution and extant laws, while refraining from actions that could be perceived as politically motivated and persecution.

The SCSN further added that Nigeria’s unity and long-term stability depended on the credibility of its institutions and the trust of citizens.
Then it insisted that justice must not only be done but must be manifestly seen to be done