The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) has called on relevant authorities to ensure strict adherence to due process in the ongoing legal proceedings involving former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

The council, while stressing that it does not condone criminality, expressed concern over what it described as circumstances surrounding the former governor’s continued detention, warning that any action perceived as arbitrary or politically motivated could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system.

In a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Nafiu Baba Ahmad, the SCSN said El-Rufai, like every other Nigerian, was entitled to his fundamental rights and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court.

El-Rufai is currently facing a nine-count amended charge before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), involving allegations of abuse of office, fraud, irregular award and execution of public contracts, money laundering, conferring undue advantage and unlawful handling of public funds during his tenure as Kaduna governor.

He is also facing a separate five-count amended charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations relating to the unlawful interception of telephone conversations involving National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

The SCSN maintained that the principles of due process, fair hearing and lawful detention were fundamental requirements of a constitutional democracy and must apply to every citizen regardless of political affiliation, social standing or personal disposition.

“As an organisation committed to justice, fairness, and the rule of law, the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria believes that Nigeria operates under a constitutional democracy where the rights and liberties of all citizens must be respected,” the council said.

It added that the enforcement of the law must itself be conducted within the boundaries of the law, warning that failure to uphold established legal procedures could have wider implications for democratic governance.

The council therefore urged the authorities handling the cases to operate strictly within the provisions of the Constitution and other extant laws, while avoiding conduct that could create the impression that the former governor was being subjected to politically motivated persecution.

According to the SCSN, the credibility of Nigeria’s institutions depends largely on their ability to administer justice impartially and transparently.

“Nigeria’s unity and long-term stability are inextricably tied to the credibility of its institutions and the trust reposed in them by the citizenry. Justice must not only be done but must be manifestly seen to be done,” it said.

The council further appealed to all stakeholders to exercise restraint and responsibility, insisting that the consistent and lawful application of justice remained essential to preserving national cohesion and public confidence in democratic institutions.