Former Member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Danmaliki, has blamed the rise of mob killings linked to blasphemy on the government’s failure to prosecute offenders, stressing that Shariah Law does not condone the killing of innocent people.

Speaking on Thursday in Bauchi, Danmaliki noted that Shariah Law applies only to Muslims and that calling for its abolition would amount to “weaponising religious freedom.”

Reacting to a recent US Congress move urging Nigeria to dismantle Shariah Law, he said: “Labeling Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern under the U.S. International Religious Freedom Act while pressuring the country to abolish its religious legal systems is laughable.”

Danmaliki argued that true protection of lives should focus on security reform, border control cooperation, counter-terror financing, intelligence sharing, and tackling transnational arms trafficking, rather than constitutional tampering.

He warned that framing Nigeria’s crisis as a Christian-Muslim conflict deepens sectarian suspicion, strengthens extremist propaganda, and undermines peace-building efforts.

“The sovereignty of Nigeria is non-negotiable, and Shariah Law, which is constitutionally protected, will be defended by Muslims,” he said, urging the US to support Nigeria with balance, humility, and respect for its sovereignty rather than using inflammatory rhetoric.

Highlighting recent incidents, including the killing of Deborah in Sokoto, Danmaliki insisted the deaths were caused by mob action, not Shariah Law, and accused the government of failing to prosecute the perpetrators, which emboldens others.

He urged Nigerians to rethink inter-community and inter-state relationships and suggested a redesign of the country’s approach to peace and security.

Danmaliki praised Shariah Law for its 1,400-year history and successful implementation in Nigeria long before English common law, noting that British colonial administrators allowed it to coexist with their indirect rule system.

He also challenged religious leaders over their silence on mob violence in blasphemy cases, reiterating that Shariah Law exercises caution in implementing punishments for murder and blasphemy.

“Instead of blaming Shariah Law, the government should enforce existing laws effectively to deter such crimes,” he concluded. (The Guardian)

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