Nigerian Islamic law ‘unconstitutional’

MIAMI, Fla. — Nigeria’s Justice Minister, Kanu Agabi, declared in a March 18 letter that the Islamic legal system now in operation in 12 northern states was illegal and unconstitutional. “A court which imposes discriminatory punishments is deliberately flouting the constitution,” he said. “The stability and integrity of the nation are threatened by such action.” Ahmed Sani, governor of Zamfara state, who introduced the Islamic legal code three years ago, said no amount of pressure would make him stop the implementation of Islamic law.