MURIC Gombe warns against external interference in Nigeria’s religious, legal framework
By KEMI KASUMU
Reaffirming its motto, “Dialogue, Not Violence,” the group pledged continued commitment to peaceful advocacy, constitutionalism, interfaith dialogue, and the protection of fundamental human rights for all Nigerians.
The Gombe State chapter of the Muslim Rights (MURIC) has raised concerns over what it described as increasing foreign commentary and subtle pressure regarding the operation of Shari’ah and other faith-based legal systems in Nigeria.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, the group emphasized that Nigeria remains a sovereign nation governed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), which guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. It noted that the Constitution also provides for the establishment of Shari’ah Courts of Appeal in states that require them.
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According to MURIC, the operation of Shari’ah in parts of Northern Nigeria is constitutional, legal, and consistent with democratic principles. The group clarified that Shari’ah, as practiced in Nigeria, applies primarily to Muslims who voluntarily submit to its jurisdiction in personal and civil matters. It stressed that the system does not infringe on the rights of non-Muslims, operates within the constitutional framework, and remains subject to judicial review and appellate procedures like other courts in the country.
The organization cautioned against what it described as attempts by foreign governments, agencies, or interest groups to portray Shari’ah as incompatible with democracy or human rights, attributing such claims to misinformation or deliberate distortion.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s diplomatic relations with various countries and the importance of constructive international partnerships, MURIC stated that such relationships should not amount to interference in constitutionally protected religious practices.
The group called on the Federal Government to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty in diplomatic engagements and urged international partners to respect the country’s constitutional diversity and federal structure. It also encouraged scholars, civil society organizations, and the media to promote accurate understanding of Shari’ah within Nigeria’s legal context.
Additionally, MURIC advised security agencies to address terrorism and criminality through lawful, intelligence-driven operations without profiling, politicization, or religious bias. It warned against linking Shari’ah with insecurity or terrorism, stating that criminality has no religious basis and should not be used to stigmatize lawful religious systems.
Reaffirming its motto, “Dialogue, Not Violence,” the group pledged continued commitment to peaceful advocacy, constitutionalism, interfaith dialogue, and the protection of fundamental human rights for all Nigerians.
The statement was signed by Dr. Usman Bakura, Chairman of MURIC, Gombe State Chapter.
Full Text of statement:
MUSLIM RIGHTS CONCERN (MURIC)
MOTTO: DIALOGUE, NOT VIOLENCE.
25th February, 2026
PRESS RELEASE:
*MURIC GOMBE CAUTIONS AGAINST EXTERNAL PRESSURE ON NIGERIA’S RELIGIOUS FREEDOM AND SOVEREIGN LEGAL STRUCTURE.*
The Gombe State Chapter of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) expresses serious concern over increasing foreign commentaries and subtle pressures regarding the operation of Shari’ah and other faith-based legal structures within the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Nigeria is a sovereign state governed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended). That Constitution guarantees freedom of thought, conscience and religion. It also provides for the establishment of Shari’ah Courts of Appeal in states that require them.
The existence and operation of Shari’ah in parts of Northern Nigeria is therefore constitutional, legal, and democratic.
It is important to state clearly that:
* Shari’ah as practiced in Nigeria applies primarily to Muslims who willingly submit to its jurisdiction in personal and civil matters.
* It does not abolish the rights of non-Muslims.
* It operates within the framework of the Nigerian Constitution.
* It is subject to judicial review and appellate procedures like any other court system.
Any attempt by foreign governments, agencies, or interest groups to mischaracterize Shari’ah as incompatible with democracy or human rights reflects either misinformation or deliberate distortion.
Nigeria maintains diplomatic relations with many countries, and we value constructive international partnerships. However, partnership must not translate into interference in constitutionally guaranteed religious practices.
MURIC Gombe therefore urges:
1. The Federal Government to firmly defend Nigeria’s sovereignty in all diplomatic engagements.
2. International partners to respect Nigeria’s constitutional diversity and federal structure.
3. Scholars, civil society actors, and the media to promote accurate understanding of Shari’ah within Nigeria’s legal framework.
4. Security agencies to address terrorism and criminality strictly through lawful, intelligence-based operations without profiling, politicisation, or religious bias.
We also caution against attempts to link Shari’ah with insecurity or terrorism. Criminality has no religion. Terrorism must be fought decisively, but within the bounds of law and without stigmatizing lawful religious systems.
The strength of Nigeria lies in its diversity. Mutual respect among religious communities remains the foundation of national unity.
External pressure, sensational narratives, or inflammatory rhetoric can only create unnecessary tension.
MURIC remains committed to peaceful advocacy, constitutionalism, interfaith dialogue, and the protection of fundamental human rights for all Nigerians.
We reaffirm our guiding principle:
Dialogue, Not Violence.
Signed:
Dr. Usman Bakura,
Chairman,
Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC),
Gombe State Chapter.
