The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to either release former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai or ensure he is formally charged before a competent court of law, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to due process.Bola Tinubu.
The monarch’s position was made public through a sermon delivered by Islamic scholar Sanusi Khalil, who relayed the Sultan’s concerns regarding the legality and fairness of El-Rufai’s continued detention.
According to Khalil, the Sultan maintained that the rule of law must be upheld at all times, regardless of the individual involved. “Nasir should either be arraigned before a competent court or released on bail while investigations continue,” Khalil quoted the Sultan as saying. 
He clarified that the Sultan was not advocating immunity for wrongdoing but was instead calling for proper legal procedures to be followed. “The Sultan is not saying a perpetrator should not be punished; rather, he is requesting that due process should be followed,” Khalil explained.Presidential News Updates
The intervention comes amid growing public debate over El-Rufai’s detention by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), with critics raising concerns about transparency and respect for constitutional rights.
The Sultan stressed that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done, particularly in cases involving high-profile political figures. Observers say his remarks reflect broader concerns about the balance between anti-corruption efforts and the protection of civil liberties in Nigeria.
Beyond the legal controversy, the Sultan also reportedly raised alarm over emerging security developments in Northern Nigeria. He questioned the presence of United States troops in the region, seeking clarity on the nature and scope of their mission.Political News Analysis
Khalil quoted the monarch as asking whether the deployment was strictly for training purposes or part of a broader plan that could include establishing a permanent military base. “If a base is going to be provided for them, then why must it be established in Northern Nigeria?” the Sultan reportedly queried.
The cleric expressed support for the Sultan’s willingness to address sensitive national issues, noting that such questions are often difficult for ordinary citizens to raise without fear of backlash. “At our level, we cannot ask such hard-hitting questions as it may be seen as disrespectful, but we are glad leaders like the Sultan are asking the right questions,” Khalil said, adding that the monarch would continue to enjoy public support and prayers.Nigeria News Updates
Meanwhile, the ICPC has defended its handling of the matter, insisting that El-Rufai’s detention is not arbitrary but grounded in legal provisions. The commission said its actions are backed by a valid court order.
ICPC spokesperson, Okor Odey, disclosed that the agency had appeared in court to respond to an application filed by El-Rufai on March 6, in which the former governor sought to set aside a remand order granted a day earlier.
“All actions taken so far were in strict compliance with the law, including the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015,” Odey stated. He added that the court initially approved a 14-day detention period, which was subsequently extended to allow investigators more time to complete their work.
The unfolding situation continues to attract national attention, with legal experts and civil society groups closely monitoring developments. Many have echoed the Sultan’s call for transparency, urging authorities to ensure that the case proceeds in a manner that reinforces public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system.
As the debate intensifies, the federal government has yet to issue an official response to the Sultan’s remarks, leaving many Nigerians awaiting further clarification on both the legal status of El-Rufai and the broader security concerns raised.
