The logo of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged the Federal Government to comply with the recent ruling by the ECOWAS Court of Justice, which declared certain provisions of Kano State’s Shariah law, particularly its blasphemy provisions, to be in violation of international human rights standards.
In a landmark judgment delivered on Friday, the regional court ruled that several sections of the Kano State Penal and Sharia Penal Codes, particularly Section 382(b) which prescribes the death penalty for insulting Prophet Muhammad, were excessive and disproportionate in a democratic society. The court ordered the Nigerian government to repeal or amend these provisions to align with global human rights frameworks.
Kano State’s government has strongly opposed the court’s decision, asserting its right to legislate in line with local religious and cultural values. The state’s Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Garba Waiya, stated that under Nigeria’s federal system, states retain autonomy in matters related to their legal, moral, and religious contexts.
“The people of Kano have entrusted us with the responsibility to maintain peace and protect our religious values,” Waiya said, affirming that these laws will remain in place.
However, the Chairman of CAN for the 19 northern states and Abuja, Rev. John Hayab, emphasized that Nigeria, as a signatory to ECOWAS treaties and with the President currently chairing the regional body, must honor the court’s decision. Hayab warned against selective adherence to international and national laws, stressing that no state has the constitutional authority to override Nigeria’s collective legal commitments.
“In international agreements, we must abide by the decisions we make. Just like in the United Nations Charter, we must stand by our word,” Hayab said in an interview with The PUNCH. He further added that no state, whether Muslim-majority or otherwise, should implement laws that contradict the Nigerian Constitution or international agreements.
Hayab also expressed support for the abolition of any Christian laws that contradict Nigeria’s collective legal frameworks, underscoring the importance of upholding the Constitution.
“The ECOWAS Court is reminding us that laws should align with the Constitution, and no religious law should supersede national unity. We must promote patriotism over religious sentiments and ensure that no religion is placed above the nation,” Hayab concluded.
Similarly, rights advocacy group Rivers in the Desert Nigeria (RID Nigeria) has called on the Kano State Government to immediately repeal the controversial blasphemy law. The group’s Executive Director, Adekunle James, described the law as “unreasonable” and incompatible with Nigeria’s pluralistic society.
“It is unreasonable for any state to enforce religious laws that undermine the Constitution and freedom in a country that thrives on its pluralism,” James said in a statement.
RID Nigeria also urged the Federal Government to enforce the ECOWAS ruling and called on Kano to replace its controversial laws with policies that promote peaceful coexistence, drawing comparisons to other Muslim-majority nations like Morocco and the United Arab Emirates.
The call comes at a time when tensions are rising over the balance between religious freedom and national law, with both local and international pressure mounting for Nigeria to uphold its commitments to human rights and democratic principles.
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