A prominent Islamic scholar, Imaam Taofiq AbdulAzeez, has called on Nigerian authorities to consider granting religious groups the autonomy to handle criminal cases involving their adherents in accordance with their respective religious laws.
AbdulAzeez, who is the National Missioner of the Dawah Front of Nigeria and Chief Imam of the University of Abuja, made the call on Saturday in a statement titled “Absurdity of the Tragedy of Absurdity.”
The cleric expressed deep concern over the worsening state of insecurity in the country, describing recent incidents as increasingly alarming and surpassing previous episodes in severity.
According to him, the recurring wave of violence and criminality reflects what he termed a “cycle of absurd tragedies,” where each new incident appears to diminish the gravity of earlier ones.
AbdulAzeez also criticised what he described as a widespread misconception linking the demand for Shariah law solely to Muslims accused of criminal acts, insisting that such assumptions were both misleading and unfair.
He argued that allowing religious bodies to adjudicate criminal matters involving their members in line with their doctrines would promote what he described as “true federalism and genuine democracy.”
The Islamic scholar added that such an arrangement would also ensure accountability, as religious leaders would be directly responsible for the conduct of their followers.
Providing further insight into his position, AbdulAzeez stated:
*“Each time we think one kind of insecurity has reached the peak of absurd tragedy, the succeeding incidents make the previous one a joke.
We are the only people, known to me, who think that every criminal that will be hanged by the Shariah is a Muslim because he is demanding the Shariah.
Is it not time Nigerian governments allow the religious groups to deal with their criminal elements according to the laws of their religion? This will be true federalism and genuine democracy.
If crimes persist after this, hold the religious leaders by their jugular.”*
While his proposal is likely to spark debate over Nigeria’s constitutional framework and the role of religion in governance, AbdulAzeez maintained that innovative approaches were necessary to address the country’s protracted security challenges.
His comments come amid growing concerns from various stakeholders over persistent killings, kidnappings, and other forms of violent crimes across different parts of the country.
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