REASSESSING THE ROLE OF SHARI’AH LAW IN THE MODERN JUSTICE SYSTEM OF NIGERIA: ISSUES AND CHALLENGES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53704/2b5a8m62Abstract
Nigeria’s legal system is characterized by pluralism, where English common law, customary law, and Sharīʿah law coexist. Sharīʿah serves as a key moral and legal framework, particularly for millions of Muslims in Northern Nigeria, guiding personal status, family, commercial, and, in some states, criminal matters. However, the 1999 expansion of Sharīʿah into criminal law has raised constitutional questions, human rights concerns, and practical challenges, including overlapping appellate structures and a shortage of legal practitioners trained in both Islamic and secular law. This paper reassesses the role of Sharīʿah in Nigeria’s contemporary justice system, exploring its historical foundations, institutional framework, and practical applications. Using a doctrinal and analytical approach, it examines constitutional provisions, state Sharīʿah penal codes, court structures, and leading judicial decisions. The paper highlights the strengths of Sharīʿah in promoting justice, social equity, and moral governance through principles such as Maqasid al-Sharīʿah. At the same time, the research identifies structural and operational hurdles that limit its effectiveness. These include jurisdictional ambiguities between Sharīʿah and secular courts, inconsistent application across states, political interference, and limited professional capacity among judges and legal practitioners. The paper concludes that for Sharīʿah to function effectively within Nigeria’s pluralistic legal order, there is a need to professionalize Sharīʿah courts, harmonize state penal codes, and integrate traditional Islamic scholarship with modern legal training. When properly supported, Sharīʿah can continue to offer an indigenous, culturally relevant, and effective mechanism for justice in Nigeria.
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