Ex Reps Member Condemns U.S. Call to Scrap Sharia in Nigeria, Rejects ‘Christian Genocide’ Claims
By Ahmed Ahmed
A former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Danmaliki, has strongly condemned a report by a U.S. Congressman urging the United States government to pressure Nigeria to repeal Sharia and blasphemy laws, describing the move as “mischievous” and an interference in Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Danmaliki, popularly known as Dan Malikin Bauchi, made the remarks during a press conference where he reacted to a report allegedly presented by U.S. Congressman Riley M. Moore to former U.S. President Donald Trump calling for the repeal of Sharia laws in Nigeria under the pretext of protecting Christians.
He rejected claims that Christians are facing genocide in Northern Nigeria, insisting that the country’s security crisis affects both Muslims and Christians.
“Nigeria is not experiencing any Christian genocide in any part of the country,”
Danmaliki said, adding that the allegation had been publicly rejected by several prominent figures and institutions, including Islamic scholar Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Gumi, the Vatican under Pope Francis, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Sokoto Diocese, the Federal Government of Nigeria and Nigeria’s First Lady, Pastor Mrs. Remi Tinubu.
According to him, Nigeria’s security challenges stem from insurgency by groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP, rural banditry, kidnapping networks, governance weaknesses and the proliferation of weapons across the Sahel region.
He argued that portraying the crisis as a religious war between Christians and Muslims distorts the reality on ground and could worsen tensions in the country.
Danmaliki also defended the existence of Sharia law in Northern Nigeria, stating that it operates within the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and applies only to Muslims.
“Non-Muslims are not subject to Sharia criminal law and cannot be compelled to appear before Sharia courts,” he said.
The former lawmaker further stressed that Sharia courts are constitutionally recognized and have been established through democratic processes by state assemblies.
He maintained that many disputes handled by Sharia courts are civil matters such as marriage, inheritance and contracts, adding that the system emphasizes justice, fairness and moral responsibility.
Danmaliki warned that attempts by foreign actors to pressure Nigeria to abolish Sharia law amount to interference in the country’s internal affairs.
“Nigeria’s sovereignty is not negotiable. No foreign government has the mandate to redesign Nigeria’s religious framework,” he said.
He called for balanced international engagement with Nigeria, urging foreign partners to support efforts aimed at tackling insecurity rather than promoting narratives capable of deepening religious divisions.
