Islamic leaders push back on US call to scrap Sharia, blasphemy laws

2026-02-24 - 14:26

By Luminous Jannamike Islamic leaders across Nigeria have pushed back against a recommendation by a United States congressional panel urging the Federal Government to repeal Sharia and blasphemy laws, warning that the issue touches directly on national sovereignty, constitutional balance and Nigeria’s delicate interfaith relations. Those who spoke to Vanguard include an official of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, who requested anonymity for administrative reasons; Sheikh Sidi Munir of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria; Sheikh Nurudeen Khalid, former Chief Imam of the National Assembly Legislative Quarters Juma’at Mosque, Abuja; and Prof. Ishaq Akintola, Executive Director of Muslim Rights Concern. US Panel Proposes Sanctions, Security Deal The U.S. panel’s report, compiled after hearings, expert consultations and fact-finding visits to Nigeria, proposed possible sanctions, visa restrictions and a bilateral security framework to protect vulnerable communities. It also urged the Nigerian Government to demonstrate concrete action against religious persecution and insecurity. ‘It Remains a Consular Matter’ — NSCIA Official “Well, it is still a consular matter. The issue is essentially a consular and policy matter. We will speak when the time comes,” the NSCIA official told Vanguard. Matter Rooted in Global Tensions — Sheikh Munir Speaking from Sokoto, the seat of the caliphate, Sheikh Sidi Munir framed the controversy within wider geopolitical and legal debates. “We believe this reflects longstanding tensions involving Muslim communities globally and the United States. On our part, we maintain that Nigeria’s legal and constitutional arrangements, including Sharia courts and customary courts, are largely matters of domestic law and cultural diversity, not evidence that Nigeria is operating an Islamic state. “Ultimately, what happens next will depend on diplomatic engagement, constitutional processes, and how Nigerian authorities choose to respond,” Munir said. Sheikh Khalid Warns of Religious Sensitivities In Abuja, Sheikh Nurudeen Khalid warned that any move to remove Sharia from Nigeria’s constitutional framework would be highly contentious and could heighten religious sensitivities. “My take is that we must be very careful about recent developments in Nigeria, especially regarding the relationship between Nigeria and the United States. It will not be easy for Nigeria to remove Sharia from the Constitution, because a large number of Muslims would strongly oppose such a move. At the same time, many Christians are deeply concerned about the presence of Sharia in the country’s constitutional framework. “What I am urging Nigerians, and the government in particular, is to retain the Sharia Penal Code that existed even before the Zamfara State introduction of expanded Sharia. In my view, what will help Nigerians live peacefully is to set aside the Zamfara-style expansion and maintain the earlier penal framework, which does not carry the death penalty. We had that system before, and sustaining it may provide a more balanced path forward,” Khalid said. Akintola questions motive behind the US advice Also reacting, Emeritus Professor of Islamic Eschatology, Ishaq Akintola, questioned the broader implications of the U.S. recommendations and urged Nigerians to scrutinise whose interests such proposals might ultimately serve. “I understand that there are calls urging the Nigerian Government to repeal Sharia law. Yes, repeal it. “But let me also respond with a question, because as a Nigerian, you know we often answer questions with questions. The U.S. recommendation also reportedly suggested that Nigeria should stop buying Russian weapons and purchase only American weapons. Did you see that part? It is there, you may wish to verify. “Whose interests would such a move primarily serve, Nigeria’s or America’s? The interest of the US Government and economy. That, Sir, is my answer to the question you asked me,” Akintola said. The Islamic leaders and scholars spoke with one voice on the sensitivity of the Sharia debate in Nigeria, warning that any policy shift under foreign pressure could carry serious religious and political consequences. Several efforts to reach the President of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, Sheikh Bashir Aliyu Umar, were unsuccessful as of press time.