The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) has defended the constitutional right of Nigerian Muslims to practice Shariah, rejecting what it described as “external interference” following a recent report submitted to the United States Congress that allegedly portrayed Nigeria as a theatre of “Christian genocide.”
In a press statement issued on 25 February 2026, corresponding to the 8th of Ramadan 1447 AH, and signed by its Secretary General, Nafiu Baba Ahmad, the Council faulted the report for what it called an inaccurate and biased representation of Nigeria’s security situation.
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The SCSN said the narrative unfairly questioned the inalienable right of Muslims in Nigeria to practice Shariah.
The Council described Shariah as a comprehensive way of life encompassing spiritual, moral, social and legal dimensions for Muslims.
It stressed that no authority could compel Muslims to abandon its practice due to external pressure, misinformation or political intimidation.
According to the statement, the practice of Shariah is guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which provides for freedom of religion and permits adherents to regulate personal matters in line with their faith.
The Council noted that Shariah courts operate within constitutional limits and exercise jurisdiction exclusively over Muslims.
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“Any attempt to criminalize, delegitimize, or externally dictate how Nigerian Muslims practice their religion undermines Nigeria’s sovereignty, constitutional order, and the fundamental principle of religious freedom,” the statement read.
The SCSN further rejected what it termed the propagation of a “false Christian genocide narrative,” arguing that Nigeria’s violence stems from terrorism, banditry, organised criminality and governance deficits rather than a targeted religious extermination.
It added that the ongoing insecurity has claimed the lives of both Muslims and Christians.
While criticising what it described as simplistic and externally driven narratives, the Council also condemned all killings and bloodshed across the country, regardless of the victims’ or perpetrators’ identities.
It expressed sympathy for families affected by the violence and offered prayers for peace and national unity.
The Council called on the Federal Government and state authorities to take decisive action to address insecurity, stressing that the primary responsibility of government is the protection of lives, property and the restoration of public confidence through justice and accountability.
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As Muslims observe the holy month of Ramadan, the SCSN urged the Ummah to intensify prayers and acts of righteousness, while encouraging law-abiding conduct and peaceful coexistence with all Nigerians.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us. Our faith is not negotiable, our Constitution is clear, and our sovereignty must be respected by other nations and protected by our government,” the statement added.
