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Northern groups reject Trump’s threat to sanction supporters of Sharia law in Nigeria

Published

4 weeks ago

November 7, 2025

US President Donald Trump

Northern groups reject Trump’s threat to sanction supporters of Sharia law in Nigeria

Abuja — Several northern Nigerian organisations have strongly condemned U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent threat to impose sanctions on individuals and state governments supporting the implementation of Sharia law in Nigeria.

Trump’s remarks have reignited debate in Washington, where some U.S. lawmakers and human rights advocates are pushing for punitive measures against Nigerian officials backing the Sharia legal framework in parts of the North.

In September, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz introduced the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025, arguing that Nigerian officials who endorse or enforce Sharia and blasphemy laws should face visa bans, asset freezes, and other sanctions. Cruz, who described Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” claimed such actions would pressure authorities to end alleged religious persecution.

Several American advocacy groups — including Alliance Defending Freedom and Advancing American Freedom — have also urged the U.S. State Department to sanction Nigeria, citing alleged violations of religious freedom in 12 northern states where Sharia is either fully or partially implemented.

As of 2025, Sharia law operates at varying levels in Zamfara, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, Jigawa, Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, and Gombe states, while Kaduna and Niger implement it partially.

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However, the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) and the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) have rejected the U.S. stance, describing it as “a direct assault on Islam” and “an unwarranted interference” in Nigeria’s internal affairs.

NEF spokesperson, Prof. Abubakar Jiddere, dismissed Trump’s comments as “baseless and arrogant,” insisting that they do not reflect the position of the U.S. government.

“The Northern Elders Forum has seriously frowned at this threat, which to me is an empty threat. Even in the U.S., it has not passed through the normal legislative process. It’s just Trump’s personal arrogance,” Jiddere told our correspondent on Thursday.

He denied allegations of religious persecution in the North, saying both Muslims and Christians suffer equally from insecurity. Jiddere also alleged that Washington’s position may be influenced by discomfort over Nigeria’s growing economic ties with China.

CNG National Coordinator, Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, warned that such sanctions could heighten anti-Western sentiment and further strain relations between Nigeria and the United States.

“For most northern communities, Sharia is not just law but a way of life — deeply tied to faith, culture, and local legitimacy,” Charanchi said. “Any governor who attempts to weaken or halt Sharia enforcement would face serious backlash from religious scholars, traditional rulers, and the public, who view Sharia as divine and non-negotiable.”

Sharia law, first introduced in Zamfara State under former Governor Ahmed Sani Yerima in 1999, initially covered personal matters such as marriage, inheritance, and morality. Over time, however, some northern states have expanded it to include criminal and penal provisions.

Observers warn that the diplomatic tension sparked by Trump’s comments could further complicate U.S.–Nigeria relations at a time when both nations are seeking closer cooperation on security, trade, and governance.

Northern groups reject Trump’s threat to sanction supporters of Sharia law in Nigeria

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Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

Published

6 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Godwin Emefiele

Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has strongly denied allegations linking him to terrorism financing in Nigeria, describing the claims as “mischievous and malicious.”

In a statement released on Saturday, December 6, 2025, Emefiele said the reports were “entirely fabricated, baseless, and a deliberate attempt to malign my name, mislead the public, and sow confusion for motives best known only to the publishers and their sponsors.”

He emphasized that the fight against terrorism is too important to be trivialized by irresponsible reporting, warning that Nigerians deserve accurate information rather than “reckless misinformation.”

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“Throughout my service to the nation and in my private life, at no time have I been involved in any activity remotely connected to terrorism, terrorist financing, or any action that threatens the peace and security of our nation,” Emefiele stated. He added that he has never been invited, questioned, or investigated regarding such allegations and has no connection to the individual cited in the media reports.

“There is no scintilla of truth in the allegation,” he said, urging the public to disregard the claims entirely and calling on media organizations to verify facts before publishing sensational stories.

Emefiele’s statement seeks to reaffirm his reputation and distances him from any activities undermining national security.

Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

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Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

Published

6 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday inaugurated the newly constructed multi-million-naira Juma’at Mosque located within the Emir of Gumel’s Palace in Jigawa State.

According to a statement by Zainab Rabo, Senior Special Assistant on Media Affairs to Governor Umar Namadi, the event drew high-level dignitaries, including top politicians, first-class emirs, captains of industry, and prominent Islamic scholars from across the country.

Rabo disclosed that the mosque was built by the Kashim Shettima Foundation, adding that Governor Umar A. Namadi and the Sultan of Sokoto graced the ceremony.

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During the occasion, the Vice President congratulated the Emir of Gumel, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Sani, on marking 45 years on the throne, describing the milestone as a blessing and testament to exemplary leadership.

Shettima also reaffirmed his commitment—through his foundation—to initiatives that would improve the lives of Nigerians.

The Vice President further commended Governor Namadi for his notable strides in modern agriculture, noting that Jigawa’s progress under his leadership had positioned the state competitively within Nigeria and beyond.

“Governor Namadi is equal to the task, looking at his two-year achievements and the way he transformed Jigawa in modern agriculture,” Shettima stated.

Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

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Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts

Published

6 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun

Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has deployed a Special Enforcement Team in Lagos to enforce President Bola Tinubu’s directive ending the use of police officers as escorts and guards for Very Important Persons (VIPs).

The operation, according to a statement posted on the Force’s official X account on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, commenced at about 10:00 a.m. on December 6, 2025, across key locations in Lagos State.

Hundeyin confirmed that the team carried out compliance checks at major points, including the Lekki–Ikoyi Link Bridge, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport domestic terminal, and other strategic hotspots within the state.

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He disclosed that officers found “satisfactory and commendable” compliance with the presidential directive, with no incidents of unauthorised police escort and no arrests recorded.

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reiterates the Force’s commitment to the full implementation of the presidential directive,” the statement said. “The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in redeploying its personnel to core policing duties aimed at enhancing general security, crime prevention, and the protection of lives and property nationwide.”

Hundeyin added that enforcement would continue across the country “without fear or favour,” urging Nigerians to support the push for a more professional and citizen-focused policing system.

President Tinubu had, on November 23, ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers from VIP protection, directing that they be reassigned to frontline policing roles. According to the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, VIP protection will now be handled by armed operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The policy aims to free up police manpower for critical security operations, particularly in underserved communities, and enhance overall national security efficiency.