SCSN raises concerns over bail conditions, urges authorities to uphold constitutional rights and due process

By Sadiq Abdulfatah

The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) has called on Nigerian authorities to ensure that the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, is handled in accordance with the rule of law.

The Council’s Secretary-General, Nafiu Baba Ahmad, made the position known in a statement expressing concern over the circumstances surrounding El-Rufai’s detention and the difficulties reportedly associated with meeting his bail conditions.

The SCSN said El-Rufai, like every other Nigerian, is entitled to fundamental rights and should be regarded as innocent until a competent court establishes otherwise.

It stressed that Nigeria’s constitutional democracy requires the rights and freedoms of citizens to be protected irrespective of their political affiliation, social standing or personal disposition.

According to the Council, adherence to due process, fair hearing and lawful detention remains essential to maintaining confidence in the country’s justice system.

The SCSN clarified that its position should not be interpreted as support for criminality, stating that it neither supports nor condones unlawful conduct in any form.

It nevertheless maintained that the process of pursuing justice must itself comply with the principles of justice.

The Council cautioned that actions viewed as arbitrary, politically motivated or inconsistent with established laws could damage public confidence in government institutions and undermine democratic governance.

It therefore called on the authorities handling the matter to operate within the Constitution and other applicable laws.

The SCSN also urged the relevant agencies to avoid actions that could be interpreted as politically motivated persecution, while ensuring that the process remains fair, transparent and consistent with due process.

Beyond El-Rufai’s case, the Council said the credibility of Nigeria’s institutions and the confidence citizens place in them are important to the unity and long-term stability of the country.

It stressed that justice should not only be carried out according to the law but should also be visibly fair to all parties.

The Council called on all stakeholders to exercise restraint and act responsibly, insisting that the matter should be handled strictly within the framework of the law.

Source: The Nation