The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called on the Federal Government to fully integrate Shari’ah courts into Nigeria’s judicial system by establishing them across all states, similar to how federal high courts operate.
The appeal was made on Friday, August 1, 2025, by the Executive Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola, who argued that the current structure of the judiciary is unjust and exclusionary toward Muslims, especially in southern Nigeria.
According to MURIC, while federal and state high courts based on common law are present in all 36 states, Shari’ah courts operate only in the North. The group contends this denies southern Muslims access to a justice system that reflects their religious and cultural values, while Christians nationwide continue to benefit from common law courts rooted in Christian legal traditions.
Akintola criticized what he described as a “judicial apartheid,” saying the imbalance creates inequality and marginalizes Muslim citizens in the South, despite their constitutional rights and tax contributions. He also questioned why southern governors have failed to implement sections of the 1999 Constitution (specifically Sections 275–277), which allow for the establishment of Shari’ah courts in states that request them.
MURIC insists that the federal government can and should step in by establishing federal Shari’ah courts in all states as a matter of fairness, inclusiveness, and constitutional compliance.
“The same way the FG created federal high courts in all states, it should also create Shari’ah federal courts,” Akintola said, adding that such action would promote equal access to justice and national unity.
He warned that continued marginalization could lead to growing discontent among Muslims and strain inter-religious harmony.
MURIC emphasized that a balanced and inclusive judicial system is essential to achieving peace, fairness, and justice in a pluralistic society like Nigeria.
