Islamic Clerics in Nigeria Reject US Push to Scrap Shariah and Blasphemy Laws
A recent report from the US Congress has ignited significant controversy in Nigeria, with Islamic clerics in Kaduna voicing firm opposition to recommendations aimed at repealing Shariah codes and anti-blasphemy laws. The joint report, submitted on February 23, 2026, by the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Appropriations Committee to the White House, focuses on what it describes as Christian persecution in Nigeria, labeling the country as the deadliest place in the world for Christians.
Defense of Shariah Law by Kaduna Clerics
Prominent Kaduna-based Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi has strongly defended the application of Shariah law in Nigeria. In a post on his verified social media page, Gumi argued that Muslims have the right to be governed by their religious injunctions, stating that Shariah law is a legitimate system for Muslims, similar to how the US protects Christian interests. He emphasized that Shariah operates alongside conventional legal systems in several northern states, primarily in matters concerning personal and family law for Muslims.
Gumi further claimed that Muslims are victims of what he termed occult terror imported into Nigeria by hidden forces. He questioned what he sees as a double standard in global religious discourse, noting that while US evangelical Christians support Israel living by biblical stories, it is considered haram for Muslims to live by Quranic injunctions.
Warning Against Religious Division and Bias
Another Kaduna-based cleric, Sheikh Halliru Maraya, warned that the issue is sensitive and double-edged, capable of either fostering peace or deepening divisions in Nigeria. He cautioned the US Congress against portraying violence as targeting only Christians, stressing that both Muslims and Christians are victims of attacks by perpetrators who do not spare any religion.
Maraya highlighted that any US intervention must respect Nigeria's sovereignty and laws. He cited Kaduna State as an example, noting that between 2015 and 2023, over 4,000 people were killed by gunmen, with most victims from Muslim-dominated communities such as Giwa and Igabi. He also pointed to Zamfara and Plateau states, where Muslims have been victims of mass killings, arguing that no single faith group is the sole target as portrayed by the US.
US Congress Report and Recommendations
The US Congress report alleges that Christians in Nigeria face violent attacks from Fulani militias and terrorist groups, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths, destruction of churches and schools, and kidnappings. It further claims that blasphemy laws in northern Nigeria are used to silence dissent and target minorities. Other recommendations in the report include disarming Fulani herdsmen and blocking the export of beef and cattle-related products to countries such as Ivory Coast, Ghana, South Africa, and Senegal.
On February 24, 2026, US Congressman Riley Moore reported that the US appropriation committee issued a document outlining 18 recommendations Nigeria must meet before being removed from the Country of Particular Concern designation. These recommendations are linked to findings on claims of Christian persecution, with countries mentioned including Russia, China, Ivory Coast, Ghana, South Africa, and Senegal.
Religious leaders in Nigeria continue to warn against biased portrayals of religious persecution, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that acknowledges the suffering of all communities and respects national sovereignty.
