The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, has firmly rejected any attempt to subject Christians—or any non-Muslims—to Sharia law, insisting that such actions are fundamentally wrong and contrary to Nigeria’s religious structure.
Speaking at the opening of the 2025 NIREC triennial meeting in Abuja, the Sultan stressed that Sharia is exclusively for Muslims and should never be applied to Christians in legal, cultural, or social contexts.
He cautioned against compelling Christians to adopt Islamic modes of dressing or worship, reiterating that Nigeria remains a multi-religious nation with no state religion.
The Sultan also dismissed calls for Sharia’s abolition, arguing that Nigeria permits all religions to operate freely, so long as none infringes on the rights of others.
At the same event, House Speaker Abbas Tajudeen and SGF George Akume urged stronger collaboration between religious bodies and the Federal Government to confront insecurity and counter extremist narratives.
Leaders from CAN and NIREC echoed the call for unity, emphasising the central role of faith institutions in stabilising communities and promoting peaceful coexistence.
Sultan: Sharia Has No Place for Non-Muslims
