NSCIA WARNS AGAINST RELIGIOUS BIAS IN EL-RUFAI PROSECUTION

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs has raised concerns over what it described as possible religious bias in the ongoing prosecution of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai. The council said it had initially chosen not to comment on the case because it viewed the matter as a normal judicial process and trusted the courts to deliver justice.

In a statement dated September 8, 2026, the NSCIA said recent developments had prompted it to reconsider its position. The Islamic body warned that the prosecution must be handled strictly according to the law and should not be influenced by religious, political or other considerations. It stressed that every Nigerian, regardless of faith or political affiliation, is entitled to fair treatment under the law.

The council's intervention comes amid continuing controversy surrounding El-Rufai's legal troubles. The former governor has been facing allegations linked to his administration, while his family and supporters have previously raised concerns about his detention and access to medical care. El-Rufai's son, Mohammed Bello, had earlier accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission of restricting his father's access to his doctor and family members, allegations the agency had not provided a detailed response to at the time.

The NSCIA's position adds a religious dimension to an already politically sensitive legal matter. The council urged the government, investigative agencies and judiciary to ensure that the proceedings remain transparent and free from any perception of selective justice. It also cautioned against actions that could deepen religious or political divisions in the country.

The organisation maintained that the rule of law must remain the guiding principle throughout the case and called on all parties to allow the judicial process to run its course. The development is likely to attract further public attention as debates continue over El-Rufai's prosecution and the broader question of fairness and accountability in high-profile corruption cases.