Gumi Defends Sharia in Nigeria, Cites Religious Freedom and U.S. Christian Influence!
Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan, Editor -in- chief | Sele Media Africa.
Prominent Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi has defended the continued application of Sharia law in Nigeria, arguing that the system reflects the religious rights of Muslims and should be respected as part of the country’s constitutional and cultural framework.
In recent remarks, Gumi described Sharia as a religious prerogative for Muslims, drawing a comparison with the United States, which he claimed protects Christian interests in aspects of its governance and foreign policy. He maintained that Muslim communities should retain the freedom to regulate aspects of their lives according to Islamic legal principles without external interference.
The cleric’s comments come amid renewed international scrutiny of religious laws in Nigeria, particularly in northern states where Sharia operates alongside the conventional legal system in matters such as family law and civil disputes involving Muslims. Critics have raised concerns about the compatibility of some religious laws with international human rights standards, while supporters argue that Sharia remains a legitimate expression of religious freedom within a plural legal framework.
Gumi framed the debate as part of a broader global discussion about religious liberty and sovereignty, asserting that Muslims should be afforded the same respect for their religious traditions as adherents of other faiths. His remarks also reflect longstanding tensions surrounding international engagement with Nigeria on issues of religious freedom and legal pluralism.
Nigeria operates a dual legal system in several northern states, where Sharia courts handle specific civil matters for Muslims who choose to be governed by Islamic law, while secular courts retain jurisdiction over criminal and constitutional issues. The arrangement has remained a subject of domestic and international debate for more than two decades.
Observers note that discussions around Sharia law often intersect with wider conversations about national unity, religious coexistence, and constitutional rights in Africa’s most populous country.
Sources
Naija News
Daily Post Nigeria
Channels Television
Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.
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