Former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, has criticized recent calls by the United States for Nigeria to abolish Sharia law and disband Hisbah commissions in northern states, describing the move as a clear interference in the country’s internal affairs.
Ahmad issued the reaction on Wednesday following reports that US lawmakers were urged on Tuesday to pressure the Nigerian government to end the implementation of Sharia law and dissolve Hisbah bodies. The appeal was reportedly made during a joint briefing by members of the US House of Representatives, in response to a directive by US President Donald Trump and the subsequent designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).
According to the briefing, experts argued that Sharia law structures and Hisbah officials were being exploited by violent extremist groups, including Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and radicalized Fulani militants. These groups, they said, were using the institutions to push extremist ideology, enforce forced conversions, and operate with limited resistance, contributing to patterns of anti-Christian persecution.
Reacting to the development on his X account, Bashir Ahmad emphasized that the United States had no authority to dictate how Nigerians should live, govern themselves, or practice their faith.
“In as much as I don’t want to continue talking about this, I must say this is a blatant intrusion into our internal affairs! The United States has absolutely no right to dictate to us how we should live, govern ourselves or practice our faith as Nigeria is a sovereign nation with our own Constitution, democratic institutions, cultural values and legal frameworks,” Ahmad tweeted.
The former presidential aide’s comments reflect a growing sentiment in parts of Nigeria that foreign powers should not interfere in the country’s religious and legal matters, which are governed by local laws and traditions.
Sharia law in Nigeria is implemented in 12 northern states and covers both civil and criminal matters for Muslims. Hisbah commissions, meanwhile, are enforcement bodies tasked with monitoring adherence to Sharia guidelines, particularly in areas such as morality, public conduct, and religious compliance.
While Sharia law has long been a part of Nigeria’s legal landscape, it has faced criticism from human rights groups and international observers for alleged misuse and the potential for human rights violations, especially against minority religious groups.
Critics of the system argue that some violent groups exploit Sharia and Hisbah structures to advance extremist agendas, targeting Christians and other non-Muslims. This concern prompted the recent appeal by US lawmakers for the Nigerian government to end these institutions’ operations.
The US has periodically highlighted concerns about religious freedom violations in Nigeria. President Donald Trump’s October directive, which led to Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern, aimed to call attention to reported attacks on religious minorities, including Christians, in parts of northern Nigeria.
During the briefing that sparked Ahmad’s reaction, Dr. Ebenezer Obadare, a Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, stated that extremist groups use Sharia structures and Hisbah officials to operate with minimal oversight, enforce forced conversions, and propagate radical ideologies. He warned that this contributes to patterns of anti-Christian persecution in the northern states.
Ahmad’s response underscores a core argument among many Nigerian leaders and citizens: Nigeria, as a sovereign nation, has the right to manage its own legal and religious affairs without foreign interference.
He pointed out that the country has established constitutional and democratic institutions, which include legal frameworks that govern the practice of religion and civil law. According to Ahmad, decisions about Sharia law and Hisbah commissions must be made within the context of Nigeria’s culture, legal systems, and societal norms, rather than being dictated by foreign governments.
Several local legal and religious experts have also weighed in, noting that while concerns about human rights violations are valid, international pressure must respect national sovereignty.
“Nigeria has a legal system that accommodates multiple layers of law, including statutory law, customary law, and Sharia law. Foreign nations cannot impose a single viewpoint on how we should govern ourselves,” said Professor Amina Suleiman, a constitutional law expert.
Others have stressed that reforms within Sharia and Hisbah systems can be pursued domestically without external intervention. “If there are genuine issues with the operation of these bodies, it is the responsibility of Nigerian authorities to address them. Foreign dictation risks creating tension and undermining local governance,” added Suleiman.
While Ahmad’s stance reflects a defense of national sovereignty, it also raises questions about balancing religious freedom and security. Northern Nigeria has faced violent attacks from extremist groups, and both local and international observers have called for stronger measures to protect vulnerable populations.
Human rights organizations have repeatedly urged the Nigerian government to ensure that Sharia law and related enforcement agencies operate within the boundaries of the constitution and do not facilitate abuses. These recommendations, they argue, can be addressed internally without violating sovereignty.