The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called on the National Assembly to initiate a constitutional amendment that would pave the way for the creation of Federal Shari’ah Courts across Nigeria, especially in the Southern region.

The call was made in a statement issued on Monday and signed by MURIC’s Executive Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, who decried what he described as a “glaring lop-sidedness” in the nation’s judicial system that marginalizes Southern Muslims.

Judiciary Lacks Balance — MURIC

Akintola argued that Nigeria’s judicial system is based on three pillars: Common Law, Customary Law, and Islamic (Shari’ah) Law, but noted that only the common and customary systems are practised nationally. According to him, Shari’ah remains confined to Northern Nigeria, thereby denying Southern Muslims equal access to justice based on their religious beliefs.

“It is well known that the Nigerian legal system stands on a tripod of common law, customary law and Islamic law (Shari’ah). For justice to experience a balance, it is expected that each component should be equally treated and applied in all parts of the country,” the group stated.

MURIC also claimed that Common Law courts — which it characterized as being “essentially Christian in origin” — have national reach through the establishment of magistrate and high courts by states, as well as federal high courts, courts of appeal and the Supreme Court by the federal government.

A Constitutional Right

The group cited Sections 275, 276, and 277 of the 1999 Constitution, which provide for the operation of Shari’ah courts for Muslims, particularly in personal status and family law matters. However, it insisted that Southern Muslims have been systematically denied the opportunity to exercise this constitutional right.

MURIC urged the National Assembly to act by introducing a bill or amending the constitution to grant the Federal Government powers to establish Shari’ah courts in states where state governments have failed to do so.

“The constitution says Muslims have the right to operate Shari’ah. There is no argument about that anymore. But since the state governments are reluctant, the National Assembly must take responsibility,” Akintola said.

Memoranda Already Submitted

The group further disclosed that it had already submitted memoranda to both Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Constitutional Amendment during sessions held in Lagos on July 4 and July 19, 2025, respectively. It urged lawmakers to treat this renewed call as an extension of its earlier submissions.

MURIC’s demand is likely to spark national debate amid Nigeria’s diverse religious and legal structures. While Shari’ah law is currently operational in 12 Northern states, its extension to the South has been a highly sensitive and controversial issue, often sparking concerns over secularism and religious freedom.

The National Assembly is yet to formally respond to MURIC’s latest request.