The Gombe State chapter of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has cautioned against what it described as increasing foreign commentaries and subtle pressures targeting Nigeria’s religious freedom and constitutional legal structures, particularly the operation of Shari’ah courts in parts of the country.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the group expressed concern over what it termed attempts by external actors to misrepresent the application of Shari’ah within Nigeria’s democratic and constitutional order.
MURIC stressed that Nigeria remains a sovereign nation governed by the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees freedom of thought, conscience and religion. The group noted that the Constitution expressly provides for the establishment of Shari’ah Courts of Appeal in states that require them, describing the system as constitutional, legal and democratic.
According to the organisation, Shari’ah as practised in Northern Nigeria applies primarily to Muslims who voluntarily submit to its jurisdiction in personal and civil matters. It added that the system does not abolish the rights of non-Muslims, operates within the constitutional framework, and remains subject to judicial review and appellate procedures like other courts in the country.
The group argued that portraying Shari’ah as incompatible with democracy or human rights amounts to misinformation or deliberate distortion of Nigeria’s federal structure and constitutional diversity.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s diplomatic relations with several countries and the importance of constructive international partnerships, MURIC maintained that such relationships must not translate into interference in constitutionally guaranteed religious practices.
The organisation urged the Federal Government to firmly defend Nigeria’s sovereignty in diplomatic engagements and called on international partners to respect the country’s constitutional and religious diversity.
It also appealed to scholars, civil society actors and the media to promote accurate understanding of Shari’ah within Nigeria’s legal framework, warning against sensational narratives capable of generating tension.
On security concerns, MURIC cautioned against linking Shari’ah with insecurity or terrorism, insisting that criminality has no religion. It called on security agencies to tackle terrorism and other crimes through lawful, intelligence-driven operations without profiling, politicisation or religious bias.
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The group emphasised that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity and that mutual respect among religious communities remains the bedrock of national unity.
Reaffirming its commitment to peaceful advocacy, constitutionalism and interfaith dialogue, MURIC restated its guiding principle: “Dialogue, Not Violence.”
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