A prominent Bauchi traditional leader, Aminu Danmaliki, the custodian of the Danmalikin Bauchi title, has strongly rejected claims that the application of Sharia law in northern Nigerian states poses any risk to Christians or their religious freedom.
Addressing journalists on Sunday, Danmaliki dismissed critics—including a group of Christian activists who recently raised concerns before the American Congress—as “misinformed or ignorant of its true concept.” He insisted that the Islamic legal system is strictly non-binding on Nigeria’s non-Muslim population.
Danmaliki maintained that the latest opposition is a “renewed crusade against Islam and Sharia law,” following a prior, unsuccessful attempt by the same activists to allege genocide against Christians in Nigeria before the U.S. Congress.
The traditional leader offered strong assurances, emphasizing that Sharia is both constitutionally protected and inherently limited in its scope.
“Sharia in Nigeria applies only to Muslims. This is guaranteed by the Constitution and by state legislation,” Danmaliki stated.
He further elaborated on the non-application to Christians, noting that non-Muslims cannot be tried under Sharia criminal law, nor can they be compelled to appear in Sharia courts, retaining “full access to secular courts.”
Defending the enduring presence of the legal code, he added, “Let it be known that we Muslims shall never accept a governance system in Nigeria without Sharia, which has nothing to do with Christians and is fully recognised by the Nigerian Constitution.”
Danmaliki argued that Nigeria’s existing multi-legal framework—encompassing common law, customary law, and Sharia—is a reflection of multiculturalism and “strengthens—not weakens—Nigeria’s unity.” He concluded by citing historical precedents, noting that Sharia’s values “shaped civilisations. They shaped English law. They shaped American legal thought. And they continue to shape millions of lives in Nigeria.”
