Renowned Islamic cleric Malam Sunusi Khalil has called for justice in the case of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who has been in detention since February 16, 2026. Khalil delivered his remarks during a Friday sermon at his mosque in Kaduna State, emphasizing that indefinite detention without conviction is unjust. He stressed that anyone arrested for an alleged offence should be taken through due process of law and, if found guilty, sentenced accordingly.
Khalil questioned the circumstances surrounding El-Rufai's continued detention, noting that the public deserved to know what had transpired between El-Rufai and current Governor Uba Sani. He recalled that El-Rufai had supported Uba Sani politically and provided opportunities for him during his administration. The cleric expressed concern that any disagreement between the two politicians should not hinder justice from taking its course.
The cleric referred to appeals reportedly made by Islamic and Northern groups to President Bola Tinubu over El-Rufai's detention. According to Khalil, the President denied involvement and directed the groups to meet with Governor Uba Sani. This development has raised concerns about the role of politics in El-Rufai's prolonged detention.
Khalil called on the authorities to explain the circumstances surrounding El-Rufai's detention and urged his immediate release if there was no legal basis for his continued detention. He warned political leaders that power is temporary and should not be used to undermine others. The cleric emphasized that Allah is the One who gives power to whoever He wills and that it will surely come to an end.
The Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria has also called on relevant authorities to review the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai. This appeal adds to growing concerns about El-Rufai's prolonged detention without conviction. El-Rufai's case has sparked debate about the use of detention as a tool for political leverage.
El-Rufai remains in custody until the next adjourned date, September 22, 2026. By then, he will have spent 217 days in detention, beginning from February 16, 2026. However, he was released for two days to bury his mother. He was arrested over charges bordering on alleged abuse of office, money laundering, and wiretapping.
As the case continues, stakeholders are watching closely, calling for a fair and just resolution. The cleric's remarks and the Supreme Council's appeal highlight the need for the authorities to ensure that El-Rufai's rights are respected and that justice is served. The case has significant implications for the rule of law and the protection of human rights in Nigeria.
Key points
- The cleric's call for justice in El-Rufai's case highlights concerns about the use of indefinite detention without conviction.
- El-Rufai's detention has sparked debate about the role of politics in the judiciary.
- The Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria has also called for a review of El-Rufai's detention.
