The practice and administration of the Sharī 'ah in Nigeria: Issues in constitutionalism

Abstract

This paper focuses on the rich and long history of Sharīah administration and practice in Nigeria with respect to the constitutional issues. It examines the place of the Sharīah in the Nigerian Constitution, its scope and penalties. How does the Nigerian constitution conceive of the Sharīah application? What is the scope of the Sharīah according to the Nigerian Constitution and can it be expanded? Does the Sharīah application contravene the Nigerian Constitution, especially on the issue of human rights and how are these constitutional issues in respect of the administration of the Sharīah being perceived by Christians and Muslims in Nigeria? These are the questions this paper seeks to answer.

Keywords: Sharīah, Constitutionalism, Secular State, the other.