The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) has declared that no authority can compel Muslims to abandon the practice of Shariah, describing it as an integral part of Islamic faith and constitutionally protected in Nigeria.
The Secretary General of the Council, Nafiu Baba Ahmad made the assertion while reacting to a report submitted by a United States Congress committee to President Donald Trump, which reportedly raised concerns over alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
The report submitted by Representative Riley Moore and Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Africa Sub-committee, Chris Smith, listed Shariah and blasphemy laws among key concerns and recommended their repeal, alongside proposals for a US-Nigeria security pact and sanctions, including visa bans on alleged perpetrators of religious persecution.
Responding, the Council dismissed the report as inaccurate and misleading, stating that it unfairly portrayed Nigeria as a site of “Christian genocide” and questioned the rights of Muslims to practise their religion.
“For clarity, Shariah constitutes a comprehensive way of life for Muslims, encompassing spiritual, moral, social, and legal dimensions,” Ahmad said. “It is the divinely ordained framework through which Muslims regulate their personal and communal affairs.”
He noted that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and allows adherents to conduct personal matters in accordance with their beliefs. He added that Shariah courts operate within constitutional provisions and their jurisdiction applies exclusively to Muslims.
The Council warned that attempts to criminalise or externally dictate how Muslims practise their religion undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty, constitutional order, and religious freedom.
It also rejected claims of religious genocide, arguing that the country’s security challenges stem from terrorism, banditry, organised crime, and governance failures affecting both Muslims and Christians.
“The council unequivocally condemns all killings and bloodshed across Nigeria, regardless of the identity of victims or perpetrators,” Ahmad said, adding that politicising the crisis would not help restore peace.
The Council further urged the federal and state governments to take decisive steps to address insecurity, stressing that protecting lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government.
It also called on Muslims to use the Ramadan period for prayers and peaceful conduct, while reaffirming its commitment to coexistence and national unity.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us. Our faith is not negotiable, our Constitution is clear, and our sovereignty must be respected,” the statement added.
