Supreme Council for Shariah Rejects U.S. Concerns on Practices

The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria, represented by Secretary General Nafiu Baba Ahmad, has firmly rejected a directive from the United States Congress that raised concerns about the practice of Shariah law in Nigeria. The report, which was submitted to the U.S.

Congress by Rilei Moor, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee, included allegations of religious persecution against Christians and called for the repeal of Shariah blasphemy laws. Ahmad stated that Shariah is an essential part of the Islamic faith and is protected under Nigeria's constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion.

He emphasized that the Nigerian constitution allows Muslims to conduct personal matters according to their beliefs, and any external attempts to criminalize Shariah practices would undermine Nigeria's sovereignty. The council condemned violence against all individuals, regardless of their religious identity, and called on the government to address security challenges affecting both Muslims and Christians in Nigeria.