A Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Malam Sunusi Khalil, has criticised the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, describing it as unjust while the former governor has not been convicted by a court.
Khalil made the comment while reacting to the ongoing prosecution of El-Rufai, who is facing corruption and money-laundering allegations brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.
El-Rufai was arraigned before the Federal High Court in Kaduna in March 2026 on a 10-count charge. He pleaded not guilty to the allegations and has maintained that the prosecution is politically motivated.
The former governor remains in ICPC custody under court-authorised remand orders, while his legal team continues to challenge his detention and seek bail.
Khalil argued that continued detention without a conviction raises concerns about due process and the constitutional presumption of innocence. He called on the relevant authorities to either allow the judicial process to proceed within the bounds of the law or take steps consistent with El-Rufai’s rights as a defendant.
His position comes amid growing calls from some Islamic organisations for a review of the former governor’s detention. The Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria, in September, also urged authorities to ensure strict adherence to due process, stressing that El-Rufai, like every citizen, is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs similarly expressed concern over what it described as indications of possible religious bias in the prosecution and called on the government and judiciary to ensure a fair trial. El-Rufai has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The former governor’s legal troubles stem largely from allegations arising from investigations into his administration between 2015 and 2023. The allegations remain before the courts, and no conviction has been entered against him.
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