Islam Not Open to Insult – Kano Hits Back at ECOWAS

The Kano State Government has strongly pushed back against a recent ruling by the ECOWAS Court that declared parts of its blasphemy laws as violations of human rights, Thecable report.

Reacting to the April 9 judgment, which faulted provisions in Kano’s Sharia Penal Code for allegedly infringing on freedom of expression, the state government said it stands by its right to enact laws that reflect the religious and moral values of its predominantly Muslim population.

Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, said on Sunday that while Kano remains committed to human rights and the rule of law, it cannot compromise the sanctity of Islam, which is central to the identity of its people.

“The Nigerian Constitution empowers states to make laws on matters affecting their people, especially on issues like morality and religion,” Waiya said. “Section 4(7) of the 1999 Constitution gives our State House of Assembly the authority to legislate on criminal matters. The Sharia Penal Code was passed with popular support and legal backing.”

He stressed that Kano is aware of concerns around misuse of blasphemy laws but noted that all such cases go through legal scrutiny, including approval by the state’s attorney-general.

Quoting legal precedents from both Nigeria and abroad, the state government argued that protecting religious sentiments is not a new concept in law and that such protections are essential to public order and harmony.

“Expressions that insult the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) or seek to provoke Muslims under the guise of free speech cannot be accepted,” the statement read. “We will not allow religious liberty to be turned into a license for insult.”

Waiya added that the ECOWAS Court cannot override Nigeria’s constitution and its federal structure, which respects the legal autonomy of its states.

“At this moment in our national and moral history, Kano State is choosing to defend the spiritual foundation of its people. We reaffirm our right to protect the honour of Islam, as demanded by our laws, our beliefs, and the will of the people,” he said.

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