WHY SOME GROUPS DEMAND SHARIA LAW IN NIGERIA By Africa Political Forum Media TV

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WHY SOME GROUPS DEMAND SHARIA LAW IN NIGERIA


By Africa Political Forum Media TV



The demand for Sharia law in Nigeria is often misunderstood. It is not because criminal law and the Penal Code are the same, but because different groups believe different legal systems should govern society.


1. Criminal Law vs Sharia Law Are Different Systems


Criminal Law (Criminal Code & Penal Code)


Created by the Nigerian state under the Constitution


Applies to all citizens regardless of religion


Focuses on state-defined offences and punishments


Secular in nature (not based on religion)



Sharia Law


Based on Islamic legal principles (Qur’an, Hadith, and Islamic jurisprudence)


Applies primarily to Muslims who choose to be governed by it


Covers criminal, civil, moral, and family matters


Operates in Sharia Courts, mainly in some Northern states



👉 Important fact: Sharia law already exists legally in Nigeria in 12 northern states, but within constitutional limits.


2. Why Some Groups Demand Full Sharia Implementation


When people or extremist groups call for “full Sharia law,” it is usually driven by one or more of the following:


a. Religious Identity


Some Muslims believe Sharia is a complete way of life and prefer it to govern both personal and public matters.


b. Perception of Justice


Some believe Sharia provides stricter or more moral-based justice compared to state criminal law.


c. Political Influence


In some cases, Sharia demands are used as a political tool to gain support in religiously dominant regions.


d. Misunderstanding of Existing Law


Some citizens wrongly assume Nigeria has no Islamic legal system at all, even though Sharia courts already operate in several states.


3. Important Clarification: It Is NOT Because Criminal Law and Penal Code Are the Same


The demand for Sharia law is not based on confusion between criminal law and the Penal Code. Instead:


Criminal law (both codes) is state-controlled and secular


Sharia law is religious-based and applies mainly to Muslims


They run in parallel under Nigeria’s legal system



So, the argument is about legal philosophy and religious governance, not similarity between the Criminal Code and Penal Code.


4. Constitutional Reality in Nigeria


Nigeria’s Constitution allows:


A federal criminal justice system (Criminal Code + Penal Code)


State-level Sharia courts for Muslims


Civil courts for all citizens



However:


No legal system can override the Nigerian Constitution


Human rights protections still apply to all systems


5. Conclusion


The call for Sharia law in Nigeria is rooted in religious, cultural, and political factors, not because criminal law and the Penal Code are identical.


Understanding this distinction is important for national unity and reducing misinformation.


Nigeria’s legal system is intentionally plural to accommodate diversity, but it must always operate within constitutional boundaries.


Africa Political Forum Media TV continues to promote legal awareness, civic education, and balanced national dialogue.

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