Sheikh Gumi Defends Shariah Law Amid US Congressional Report, Cites Muslim Victimhood
Prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has issued a strong rebuttal to a recent report from United States Congressmen submitted to President Donald Trump, which called for the abolition of Shariah law in Nigeria. Gumi, based in Kaduna State, asserted that Shariah law remains the exclusive prerogative of Muslims, drawing parallels to how the United States protects Christian interests.
Gumi's Argument: Shariah as a Muslim Right
In a post shared on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, Gumi defended the application of Shariah law in Nigeria, emphasizing that Muslims have the right to be governed by their religious injunctions. He stated, "Shariah Law is the Muslims' prerogative just as the US found it only necessary to protect the Christians. At the same time, Muslims are more victims of this occult terror imported into the country by hidden forces they very well know."
This statement comes in response to the US lawmakers' report, which urged Nigeria to dismantle Hisbah commissions and abolish Shariah law, citing warnings of rising anti-Christian persecution. Gumi's reaction highlights the ongoing tensions between religious laws and Nigeria's national legal framework, sparking a heated debate among Nigerians.
Nigerians Voice Mixed Reactions
The cleric's defense of Shariah law has elicited a wide range of responses from Nigerians, reflecting the country's diverse religious and political landscape. Some supporters, like Abubakar Dahiru Modibbo, argued that no external force can abolish Shariah in northern Nigeria, a region with a Muslim majority. He claimed, "The real issue in Nigeria is that Christians are the ones killing Muslims and are still the one killing Christians in order to cause chaos in the country."
Others, such as Olasunkanmi Olaleye, expressed concerns about the coexistence of multiple legal systems, stating, "Sharia law is just a means of taking over a country’s normal law from within. There should never be two laws in a country. If Muslims want it they can go to a country that practice it not say it’s for only Muslims while hiding under it to take over their country."
Surajo Umaru Kamba suggested that unrest in the North might be linked to calls for abolishing Shariah, questioning why Christians are unhappy with its implementation for Muslims. Meanwhile, Clinton Peter argued that Shariah law is divisive, noting, "Christians can't live with the Muslims under sharia laws, because Nigeria is not a Muslim country either a Christian country, we all have to abide by the law that governs the country."
Government Response and Sovereignty Concerns
Earlier, the Tinubu administration responded to demands for Shariah law abolition through Daniel Bwala, the special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on policy communication. Bwala dismissed suggestions from a Nigerian-American academic to abolish Shariah, stating that any foreign attempt to instruct Nigeria on constitutional matters would constitute an attack on its sovereignty.
He maintained that even recent military threats from President Donald Trump were inconsistent with international norms and US conventions. This stance underscores Nigeria's commitment to handling its internal affairs without external interference, particularly regarding sensitive religious and legal issues.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Debate
The debate over Shariah law in Nigeria continues to intensify, with implications for national unity, religious freedom, and legal coherence. Gumi's remarks and the mixed public reactions highlight the deep-seated divisions and the challenge of balancing religious rights with a unified national legal system.
As Nigeria navigates these complex issues, the role of international actors like the US Congress adds another layer of complexity, prompting discussions on sovereignty, human rights, and the future of religious law in the country.
