Full List of States Practicing Sharia Law in Nigeria

Sharia law is the legal system of Islam. It is derived from both the Qur’an, Islam’s holy book, and fatwas, or rulings on Islamic law issued by religious leaders. Sharia covers all aspects of life, including crime, politics and economics.

The official name for sharia courts in Nigeria is “the Sharia Court of Appeals” which is dully recognized as a federal court of appeals under the Nigerian government and is the most controversial of the judicial system.

Muslims believe the Sharia is holy because it was revealed by Allah. Many Islamic legal experts sought to interpret and adapt the Islamic law throughout the seventh century, when Muhammad died, and through the tenth century as the Muslim Empire grew.

HISTORY OF ISLAMIC/SHARIA LAW IN NIGERIA

Ahmad Yerima, Former Governor that pushed for Sharia practice in Nigeria

Nigeria, the most populous black country in the world with 180 million citizens is also one of the most Islamized countries on earth. Islam came to Nigeria before the prophet Muhammad was even born through Arab traders that spread Islam along West Africa’s coastal plantation belt during the 9th century A.D. After Islam entered Nigeria, it gradually spread inland by force and was assimilated into traditional African mores rather than being rejected outright.

The origin of Islamic law in Nigeria began in 1999, when then-Zamfara State governor Ahmad Sani Yerima began the movement for Sharia at the state level of government in Nigeria, it has been established as a major component of both civil and criminal law in twelve Muslim-majority states in northern Nigeria.

That same year, twelve Northern states had a “declaration of full Sharia law,” and state governments established Islamic legal organizations such as the Sharia Commission, Zakat Commission, and Hisbah (Islamic police), which are responsible for promoting Islamic virtue while discouraging vice using the tenets of the Islamic tradition.

The enforcement agencies in the Islamic system are known as Alkalis, and Hisbah is the name of the Islamic police who arrest Sharia offenders. Both Islamic and secular laws are studied by Alkalis. Sharia law has also been controversial in much of the Western world, as proponents believe it should be adopted for all citizens and critics believe it goes against human rights and religious freedom.

FULL LIST OF STATES PRACTICING SHARIA LAW IN NIGERIA

What are the Nigerian states where Sharia law applies? There are twelve (12) northern states that adopted Islamic/Sharia law as their primary mode of criminal justice in Nigeria. These states include:

• Bauchi state
• Borno state
• Gombe state
• Jigawa state
• Kaduna state
• Kano state
• Katsina state
• Kebbi state
• Niger state
• Sokoto state
• Yobe state
• Zamfara state

THE LEGAL NATURE OF SHARIA COURTS IN NIGERIA

Sharia’s application in modern, secular nations has sparked debate worldwide between fundamentalist traditionalists and progressives as to its legality in the country. Some claim that the Sharia, practiced in the northern region of Nigeria, runs counter to the country’s constitution as regards to religious freedom.

Unfortunately, the Sharia Court of Appeals is dully recognized as a federal appeals court by the Nigerian government.  Its jurisdiction involves only cases concerning Sharia law, only in areas where it is permissible. The courts that interpret and review cases based on Islamic law, as well as the common and customary laws of other parts of Nigeria, must also apply non-Muslim norms to its rulings. In Nigeria today, Sharia has been characterized as a unique and global legal system.

We shall look at some of the controversies about this Islamic practice.

CONTROVERSIES

The introduction of Sharia law has been criticized by some as violating Nigeria’s constitution stipulating for religious tolerance, according to which no religion is favoured or preferred above one another. There have been numerous revolts over the enforcement of Sharia, particularly in non-Muslim minorities living in states that implemented it.

• In 2001, more than 95 persons died in a riot against the Kano state government decision to adopt Sharia law.
• Due to hisbah enforcement, non-Muslims are forced to adhere to Islamic law in states that practice Sharia.
• In 2020, trucks belonging to non-Muslims were targeted by the hisbah and bars were shut down after it accused proprietors of “immoral actions.”
• Safiya Hussaini was condemned to die by being stoned for allegedly committing adultery in 2002 in Sokoto state, a northern state under Sharia law. She regained her freedom after a retrial.
• Once found guilty, the Alkalis met out sentences in Sharia courts like limbs amputations for stealing in a public place, floggings, and capital punishment.
• Insulting the Prophet Muhammad is a taboo and incures the death penalty.
• In 2016, Abdulazeez Inyass was condemned to die for blaspheming against Mohammed and Islam.
• There has yet to be a politician from the 12 northern states practicing Islamic Sharia law accused of stealing public funds that has been condemned by a Sharia court.

CONCLUSION

Sharia law is a controversial topic in Nigeria, with 12 different northern states choosing to adopt different versions of the law. While some see it as a way to bring order to society, others see it as oppressive and limiting for women and minorities. Despite the controversies, sharia law remains an important part of Islamic culture and will likely continue to be debated for years to come. It is important to understand how this complex legal system works as well as the implications it has on Nigerian citizens. Have you ever been to a country that practices sharia law? What was your experience? What’s your take on the 12 northern states where Sharia is practiced in Nigeria today? Let’s know in the comment section below.