The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has called on the Federal Government and the Judiciary to ensure that the prosecution of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, is conducted without sectarian prejudice.
The Islamic body expressed concern that the legal process could be compromised by individuals seeking to use state apparatuses to further specific religious or sectarian agendas. The NSCIA is demanding a transparent and fair trial to prevent the perceived weaponisation of public institutions against the former governor.
This demand for judicial impartiality follows allegations of bias in the prosecution of El-Rufai, as the council seeks to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s legal system from political and religious manipulation.
Concerns over institutional integrity
In its statement, the NSCIA urged the authorities to remain vigilant against any attempts to influence the course of justice through sectarian motives. The council noted that the use of law enforcement and judicial bodies to target individuals based on religious affiliations poses a threat to national stability and the rule of law.
The former governor, who led Kaduna State through a period of significant political and religious tension, remains a central figure in Nigerian politics. The involvement of the NSCIA, the highest Islamic body in the country, indicates the high level of sensitivity surrounding the legal proceedings currently facing El-Rufai.
Legal observers note that in a multi-religious society like Nigeria, the perception of bias in high-profile criminal or political cases can exacerbate existing social fractures. The NSCIA’s intervention points to the need for the judiciary to maintain strict neutrality to avoid inflaming religious sentiments during the trial.
The Nigerian government has not yet issued a formal response to the NSCIA’s specific claims regarding sectarian agendas. However, the judiciary is expected to proceed with the scheduled hearings, amid growing calls for the process to remain strictly focused on legal merits rather than political or religious affiliations.
The prosecution of the former Kaduna State governor continues to draw significant attention from political stakeholders and civil society organisations across the country.
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