House of Representatives Rejects Sharia Law Bill

The House of Representatives has voted down a bill which is aimed at expanding the scope for Islamic Law in Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution. Aliyu Misau, representing the Misau/Dambam Federal Constituency of Bauchi State, introduced the bill, aiming to remove the term “personal” from sections relating to Islamic Law.

Currently, Section 262 (1) of the Constitution limits the Sharia Court of Appeal’s jurisdiction to cases involving “Islamic personal law,” which typically covers family and personal matters.

Misau argued that the term “personal” restricts the application of Islamic Law, especially in commercial and international areas, noting that modern financial institutions, such as Jaiz Bank, operate under Islamic commercial principles.

But, despite some Northern lawmakers supporting the bill, many Southern representatives opposed it, ultimately leading to its rejection.