The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) has rejected a proposal from US lawmakers on Shari’ah practice in the country.
Shari’ah is regarded as the religious, moral, and legal framework of Islam, operating alongside statutory and customary law in Nigeria in 12 northern states after its adoption as a main body of civil and criminal law in 1999.
Speaking in an issued statement, SCSN Secretary General, Nafi’u Ahmad, rebutted US lawmakers’ report for the repeal of Shar”iah law in Nigeria,
saying Sharia constitutes a comprehensive way of life for Muslims, encompassing spiritual, moral, social, and legal dimensions.
According to the Council: “No power or authority can arrogantly make Muslims relinquish its practice in response to external pressure, misinformation, or political intimidation”. It added that Shari’ah in Nigeria is backed by the constitution, which upholds freedom of religion and permits adherents to conduct personal matters in accordance with their faith.
SCSN further called Nigeria a sovereign, multi-religious nation with a plural legal system, adding that external interference is an attempt to undermine the country’s sovereignty, constitutional order, and the fundamental principle of religious freedom.
The body also rejected reports of a “Christian genocide” in the nation.
“This claim misrepresents Nigeria’s security crisis and detracts from the truth. The violence confronting the nation stems from terrorism, banditry, organised criminality, and governance deficits,” it stated.
