The Ogun State Government has firmly stated that no Sharia Court is authorised to operate within the state, warning that individuals or groups attempting to establish such courts have no legal backing.
In a statement signed by Governor Dapo Abiodun on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, the government dismissed reports announcing the launch of a Sharia Court in Ogun, stressing that only courts established under the Nigerian Constitution are legally recognised in the state.
“The Ogun State Government has noted the circulation of a digital notice announcing the launch of a Sharia Court in Ogun State. No Sharia Court is authorised to operate within Ogun State,” the statement read.
It further clarified that the judiciary in Ogun is governed by the Nigerian Constitution and includes only legally constituted courts such as Magistrates’ Courts, High Court, Customary Courts, the Customary Court of Appeal, Federal High Court, National Industrial Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court.
“No law in Ogun State has established a Sharia Court, and Sharia law does not form part of the legal framework by which the state administers justice,” the statement added.
While affirming its commitment to religious freedom, the government emphasised that such freedoms do not extend to the creation of unauthorised institutions.
“The Ogun State Government upholds and protects the rights of individuals to practise their religion or hold no religious belief at all. However, this freedom does not grant anyone the right to establish or operate a court outside the legal framework. No individual or group is legally permitted to constitute a court or present themselves as a judicial authority without legal backing,” the government warned.
The statement directed all persons involved in the creation or operation of the unauthorised court to immediately cease all activities and disband the illegal entity.
Additionally, the government urged the public to disregard any summons, documents, or individuals linked to the illegal Sharia Court and report such activities to the authorities.
“The Ogun State Government will continue to uphold the rule of law, ensure respect for the state’s judicial framework, and prevent any breakdown of law and order,” the statement concluded.