Kano Rejects ECOWAS Court Ruling, Vows to Uphold Blasphemy Laws
The Kano State Government has dismissed a ruling by the ECOWAS Court of Justice which declared parts of its blasphemy laws incompatible with international human rights standards, insisting the laws remain essential for preserving the religious and moral values of its predominantly Muslim population.
In a statement on Saturday, Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Garba Waiya, said the state would not yield to foreign pressure.
“We will not be deterred by external pressures. Our responsibility is to uphold the values of our society, which are grounded in religious and moral beliefs. While we respect international opinions, our laws are a reflection of our people’s will,” Waiya said.
OSUN DEFENDER reported that Tlthe ECOWAS Court had ruled that prosecuting individuals under Kano’s blasphemy laws violates Nigeria’s international obligations, particularly the rights to freedom of expression and religion.
However, Kano authorities argue that the ruling threatens Nigeria’s federal structure and the autonomy of states to make laws reflecting local beliefs.
“The Kano government’s defence is rooted in Nigeria’s federal system, where states retain the right to enact laws reflecting local social, moral, and religious contexts,” Waiya stated.
“The people of Kano have entrusted us with the responsibility to maintain peace and protect their religious values. These laws are central to that mission, and they will remain firmly in place.”
While recognising the ECOWAS Court’s authority, Waiya maintained that Kano’s laws were both legally and socially justified.
“We fully respect the court’s authority, but the laws that govern our state must reflect the unique moral and religious fabric of our people,” he added.
Human rights advocates have called on the Nigerian government to implement the court’s decision, warning that continued enforcement of such laws could lead to international backlash or sanctions.
The court ruling followed a suit filed by the Incorporated Trustees of Expression Now Human Rights Initiative, marked ECW/CCJ/APP/41/23.
The court found that Section 210 of the Kano State Penal Code and Section 382(b) of the Sharia Penal Code (2000) breached Article 9(2) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The panel of Justices Ricardo Gonçalves, Sengu Koroma, and Dupe Atoki unanimously ruled that Kano’s blasphemy laws failed to balance public order with fundamental rights.
Although the court dismissed allegations that Nigeria failed to prevent mob violence due to lack of sufficient evidence, it ordered the federal government to repeal or amend the blasphemy laws to align with international legal standards.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
