*Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai.
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has called on the Federal Government and the Judiciary to ensure that the ongoing prosecution of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai, is conducted transparently and without religious or sectarian considerations.
The Council, in a statement dated September 8, 2026 and signed by its Secretary-General, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, said it had deliberately refrained from commenting on the controversy surrounding the former governor’s prosecution because it initially regarded the matter as a standard judicial process.
The NSCIA said its earlier restraint was based on its confidence in the capacity of the Judiciary to uphold justice and ensure that due process was followed, irrespective of the political status or identity of the person involved.
However, the Islamic body said recent developments in the public domain had prompted it to reconsider its position, expressing concern over what it described as indications of “extraneous involvement of an underlying religious bias” in the case involving El-Rufai.
The Council stressed that it was not seeking to interfere with the judicial process or defend any political figure from legitimate accountability, but insisted that justice must be administered impartially and be seen to have been done.
According to the NSCIA, public institutions and the legal system must not be allowed to become instruments for pursuing religious or sectarian interests.
“Consequently, the Council calls upon the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Judiciary to ensure that individuals with vested religious interests are strictly prevented from weaponizing public institutions or the legal system to execute a sectarian agenda against him,” the statement said.
The Council’s intervention comes amid heightened public interest in the legal proceedings involving the former governor, who has faced allegations and legal challenges following his tenure as Kaduna State governor.
The NSCIA urged all relevant authorities to ensure that the proceedings remain firmly anchored on the principles of fairness, impartiality, due process and equality before the law.
It also appealed to Nigerians to exercise restraint in their public commentary on the matter, warning that inflammatory statements could undermine the integrity of the trial and potentially worsen existing security challenges in the country.
“Furthermore, the Council appeals to the general public to refrain from incendiary comments that could prejudice the fair trial of Mallam El-Rufai or exacerbate the security situation in our nation,” it said.
The Council emphasised the importance of maintaining public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system, particularly at a time when religious, ethnic and political sensitivities continue to influence public discourse.
It urged Nigerians to allow the courts to perform their constitutional responsibilities without pressure, intimidation or interference, while calling on state institutions to uphold the principles of justice and fairness.
The NSCIA concluded its statement with a prayer for peace and stability in the country.
“May Almighty Allah grant peace, stability, and security to Nigeria,” the Council said.