The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) has raised concerns over the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, warning authorities against turning the case into a political persecution.

The council urged the relevant authorities to respect El-Rufai’s constitutional rights, ensure due process and strictly comply with the law in handling his detention.

While stressing that it does not support or condone criminality, the SCSN said the fight against crime must itself be conducted within the confines of the Constitution and established legal procedures.

In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its Secretary-General, Nafi’u Baba-Ahmad, the council expressed particular concern over the circumstances surrounding El-Rufai’s continued detention and what it described as apparent difficulties in meeting his bail conditions.

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.

“Like every Nigerian, Malam Nasir El-Rufai is entitled to his fundamental rights and is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction,” the council said.

It maintained that fair hearing, due process and lawful detention were fundamental pillars of constitutional democracy and should not depend on a person’s political status, affiliation or influence.

“The pursuit of justice must itself be just,” the council declared.

The SCSN warned that actions perceived as arbitrary, politically motivated or inconsistent with established legal procedures could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s judicial and state institutions.

It therefore called on the authorities handling the matter to ensure that every step concerning El-Rufai’s detention is taken “strictly within the confines of the Constitution and all extant laws.”

The council further urged authorities to demonstrate what it described as an “unwavering commitment to fairness, transparency, and the rule of law,” warning against any action that could be interpreted as politically motivated persecution.

According to the SCSN, the credibility of Nigeria’s institutions is critical to national stability, adding that citizens must have confidence that justice will be applied consistently and impartially.

“Justice must not only be done but must be manifestly seen to be done,” it said.

The council argued that equal application of the law remained the strongest safeguard against political tension, erosion of public trust and threats to national cohesion.

It called on all stakeholders to exercise restraint and responsibility while the matter is being handled, stressing that the rule of law must apply equally to all Nigerians “irrespective of status, political affiliation, or personal disposition.”

The SCSN reiterated its commitment to justice, protection of fundamental rights and peaceful coexistence, while urging authorities to ensure that El-Rufai’s case is handled transparently and strictly in accordance with the law.