Government’s inaction fuels mob killings, not Sharia law – Ex-Rep Danmaliki

Former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Danmaliki, has blamed the rising cases of mob killings linked to alleged blasphemy on the government’s failure to prosecute perpetrators, insisting that Sharia law does not support the killing of innocent people.

Danmaliki said Sharia law does not apply to non-Muslims and remains a religious right for Muslims, warning that calls for its abolition amount to “weaponising religious freedom.”

He spoke on Thursday in Bauchi while reacting to a move by the United States Congress urging the abrogation of Sharia law in Nigeria.

According to him, the attempt to label Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern under the U.S. International Religious Freedom Act, while mounting pressure on the country to dismantle its religious legal systems, is misplaced.

He argued that genuine efforts to protect lives in Nigeria should focus on security reforms, tackling terrorism financing, strengthening border control, enhancing intelligence sharing and addressing transnational arms trafficking rather than altering constitutional provisions.

Danmaliki also warned that framing Nigeria’s security challenges as a Christian–Muslim conflict could heighten sectarian distrust, strengthen extremist propaganda and undermine peace-building efforts.

He maintained that Nigeria’s sovereignty is non-negotiable, adding that Sharia law, which is recognised by the constitution, will continue to be defended by Muslims.

The former lawmaker urged the United States to support Nigeria through cooperation and mutual respect rather than rhetoric capable of inflaming tensions.

Citing the mob killing of Deborah Yakubu in Sokoto, he said the act was carried out by individuals and should not be attributed to Sharia law.

He blamed the government for failing to ensure that those responsible were properly prosecuted, warning that such inaction could embolden further mob violence.

Danmaliki also called on Nigerians to rethink their relationships and interactions across communities and states as part of efforts to strengthen peaceful coexistence.

He defended Sharia law as a legal system with over 1,400 years of history, noting that it existed in parts of Nigeria even before the introduction of English common law.

According to him, the British colonial administration did not abolish Sharia law but allowed it to operate alongside its system of indirect rule.

He further criticised the silence of some religious leaders over mob attacks carried out in the name of blasphemy, adding that the law itself prescribes strict procedures in cases involving murder or blasphemy.

Danmaliki urged the government to focus on enforcing existing laws and ensuring justice rather than placing blame on Sharia law.

Government’s inaction fuels mob killings, not Sharia law – Ex-Rep Danmaliki