Shari’ah law will enhance Nigerian justice system – Islamic scholar

A professor of Law at the University of Ilorin, Abdulrazzaq Alaro, has reiterated calls for the broader application of Shari’ah law across Nigeria, arguing that it has the capacity to address national challenges and enhance justice in society.

Speaking at the 2025 Ramadan lecture organized by the Muslim Lawyers Association of Nigeria, Oyo State branch, at the Aare Afe Babalola Bar Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, on Sunday, Alaro emphasized that Shari’ah encompasses all known branches of law and contains principles best suited for regulating human conduct.

Addressing concerns over an alleged Islamization agenda, Alaro dismissed such fears as unfounded. He described opposition to Shari’ah, particularly in Southern Nigeria, as a deprivation of Muslims’ legitimate rights.

“Beyond the criminal justice system, Shari’ah encompasses various branches of law, including public and private law, business and commercial law, municipal and international law, as well as substantive and procedural law. As a Professor of Shari’ah, I can confidently state that there is no branch of law recognized by Common Law or any other legal system that is absent in Shari’ah.

“When Allah, the ultimate lawgiver, declares in the Qur’an, ‘We have neglected nothing in the Book,’ it affirms that Shari’ah laws and principles cover all past, present, and even future branches of law. If implemented properly, Shari’ah is capable of addressing our societal challenges and enhancing justice,” Alaro asserted.

Citing Islamic banking and SUKUK bonds as examples, he highlighted how Shari’ah-based financial systems have successfully contributed to public project funding.

“Since 2017, SUKUK has facilitated the development of 124 road projects covering over 5,280 kilometers across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, yet Nigeria remains a multi-religious nation,” he noted.

Alaro argued that applying Shari’ah in other aspects of governance would not alter Nigeria’s secular status.

On concerns about the punitive aspects of Shari’ah, Alaro clarified that the criminal justice system is only one component.

“Shari’ah is not solely about capital punishment or amputation, as some believe. It prioritizes deterrence over punishment. More importantly, Shari’ah offers a comprehensive legal framework that complements existing systems while ensuring justice that aligns with citizens’ religious beliefs and constitutional rights to freedom of religion and conscience,” he explained.

Emphasizing that adherence to Shari’ah is an obligation for Muslims, Alaro warned against opposing its application.

“The 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. In any state without a Shari’ah court, Muslims cannot fully exercise their religious rights. The absence of Shari’ah Courts of Appeal in Southern states is a clear deprivation of Muslims’ constitutional rights,” he argued.

He questioned why no Southern state has established a Shari’ah court, despite the presence of sizable Muslim populations. “Are we suggesting that Muslims in these states do not deserve access to their religious legal system?” he asked.

Alaro also addressed concerns that establishing Shari’ah Courts of Appeal would lead to Islamization, calling such fears “unfounded and driven by ignorance or mischief.” He explained that Shari’ah courts would handle issues exclusively related to Muslims, including marriage, divorce, inheritance, and civil disputes.

Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Alaro urged Muslims to prioritize candidates who support the application of Shari’ah. “Muslim associations and stakeholders must support candidates committed to advancing Muslim affairs, including Shari’ah implementation in their states,” he declared.

Also speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria, Prof Musliu Yahya, emphasized that Muslims must align their lives with the teachings of the Qur’an and the Nigerian Constitution.

Panelist and Oyo State High Court Judge, Justice Kareem Adedokun, attributed misconceptions about Shari’ah in Southern Nigeria to ignorance and religious intolerance. He called for continuous sensitization of political leaders, clerics, and sociocultural group heads to foster understanding.

Representing the Managing Director of Lotus Bank, Mutiu Abdulsalam reaffirmed that Shari’ah is a right for Muslims and cited the success of Islamic banking and SUKUK as evidence that Shari’ah implementation does not equate to Islamization.

Chairman of the MULAN Ramadan Lecture Planning Committee, Akeem Agbaje, stressed the importance of ongoing sensitization to enhance understanding of Shari’ah’s significance for Muslims.

Other speakers pointed out contradictions in the 1999 Constitution that fail to mandate the establishment of Shari’ah Courts of Appeal in all states and called for a constitutional review.

Notable attendees included the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ibadan branch, Ibrahim Lawal; Justice Rukayat Yetunde; Justice Oladejo Akanbi; member representing Ibadan SouthWest/NorthWest federal constituency, Stanley Olajide; Oyo Attorney General, Abiodun Aikomo; serving and retired justices; Islamic scholars; and clerics.