El-Rufai’s Detention: What Kaduna Cleric Wants Authorities To Explain

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A prominent Islamic cleric, Malam Sunusi Khalil, has questioned the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufa’i, describing the situation as unjust in the absence of a conviction.

Khalil made the remarks during his Friday sermon at his mosque in Kaduna State.

The cleric argued that individuals arrested over alleged offences should be subjected to due process, tried and sentenced if found guilty.

He stressed that keeping a person in detention indefinitely without conviction does not amount to justice.

He said: “Anyone who is arrested for committing an offence should be tried and sentenced, regardless of the length of the sentence. At least, they know that one day they will be released. But continuing to detain El-Rufa’i without convicting him is unjust.”

Khalil also sought clarification on the circumstances behind El-Rufa’i’s prolonged detention, particularly regarding the relationship between the former governor and his successor, Governor Uba Sani.

He recalled that El-Rufa’i had supported Sani politically and created opportunities for him during his time in office.

“You told us that El-Rufa’i is your father, not your friend, because he has done all what a father will do to his son,” he said.

The cleric, however, maintained that any dispute between the two politicians should not be allowed to interfere with the administration of justice.

He further referenced appeals reportedly made by Islamic and Northern groups to President Bola Tinubu concerning El-Rufa’i’s detention.

According to Khalil, the President had denied having a role in the matter and directed the groups to engage with the Kaduna State Governor.

Khalil therefore urged the authorities to disclose the reasons for El-Rufa’i’s continued detention and release him immediately if there is no legal justification for keeping him in custody.

He also cautioned political leaders against abusing the power entrusted to them, reminding them that political authority is temporary.

“Allah is the One who gives power to whoever He wills. Power is temporary; it will surely come to an end, either when one’s tenure ends or when death comes,” he said.

The Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria has similarly called on the relevant authorities to review the continued detention of the former Kaduna State Governor.

El-Rufai is expected to remain in custody until the next adjourned date of September 22, 2026.

By that date, he would have spent 217 days in detention, having been taken into custody on February 16, 2026, although he was reportedly released for two days to attend his mother’s burial.

The former governor was arrested over allegations bordering on abuse of office, money laundering and wiretapping.

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