El-Rufai: NSCIA Urges FG, Judiciary to Prevent Religious Interests From Influencing Trial

By Nafiu Muhammad Lema

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has called on the Federal Government and the Judiciary to ensure that vested religious interests do not interfere with the ongoing prosecution of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

The Council made the call in a press release dated September 8, 2026, signed by its Secretary-General, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, on behalf of the NSCIA.

The NSCIA said it had previously refrained from commenting on the controversy surrounding El-Rufai’s prosecution because it trusted that the Judiciary had the capacity to uphold justice.

However, it said recent developments in the public domain had raised concerns over what it described as possible religious bias against the former governor.

“Recent developments in the public domain have raised serious concerns that strongly suggest an erroneous involvement of an underlying religious bias against the former Governor,” the Council said.

Consequently, the NSCIA urged the Federal Government and the Judiciary to ensure that individuals with vested religious interests are prevented from weaponising public institutions or the legal system against El-Rufai.

The Council also appealed to members of the public to avoid inflammatory comments that could undermine the former governor’s right to a fair trial or worsen the country’s security situation.

“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 NSCIA stressed that its position was aimed at protecting the integrity of the judicial process and promoting peace and stability in the country.

It further appealed to Nigerians to refrain from comments that could prejudice the trial or exacerbate existing security challenges.

“May Almighty Allah grant peace, stability, and security to Nigeria,” the Council prayed.