The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) has affirmed that no authority can compel Muslims to abandon the practice of Shariah.
Nafiu Baba Ahmad, Secretary General of the Council, made the statement in response to a recent report submitted to U.S. President Donald Trump by a congressional committee investigating alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
The report, authored by Riley Moore and Chris Smith, highlighted Shariah and blasphemy laws as major concerns, recommending their repeal, the establishment of a US–Nigeria security pact, and penalties or visa bans on alleged offenders. U.S. lawmakers claimed that “blasphemy laws in Nigeria’s northern states are used to silence speech and dissent, target Christians and minorities, and justify so-called ‘convictions’ without due process.”
Reacting, SCSN said the report misrepresented Nigeria as experiencing “Christian genocide” and questioned the constitutional rights of Nigerian Muslims to observe Shariah.
“Shariah is a comprehensive way of life for Muslims, covering spiritual, moral, social, and legal dimensions. Its practice is guaranteed under Nigeria’s Constitution, which upholds freedom of religion and allows adherents to manage personal matters according to their faith,” the Council stated.
The Council further noted that Shariah courts operate lawfully within constitutional limits and their jurisdiction applies exclusively to Muslims. It condemned any external attempts to delegitimize or dictate how Muslims practice their religion, stressing that such interference undermines Nigeria’s sovereignty and religious freedom.
Ahmad also rejected claims of one-sided religious violence, explaining that the nation’s security challenges—terrorism, banditry, and organized crime—affect both Muslims and Christians. “Framing these tragedies as a one-sided genocide is inaccurate and unhelpful,” he said.
The statement condemned all killings in Nigeria, called for decisive government action to restore public safety, and urged Nigerians to seek peaceful coexistence. Ahmad encouraged Muslims to use Ramadan to intensify prayers, supplications, and acts of righteousness, praying for peace, justice, and unity in the country.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us. Our faith is not negotiable, our Constitution is clear, and our sovereignty must be respected and protected,” the Council concluded.
