US Senator Pushes Bill to Sanction Nigerian Officials Implementing Blasphemy, Sharia Laws

US Senator Ted Cruz has sponsored a bill to sanction individuals and government officials involved in enforcing blasphemy and Sharia laws in Nigeria, citing alleged persecution of Christians in the country. The move follows President Donald Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over religious freedom.

Cruz said the legislation aims to hold accountable those responsible for what he described as systematic oppression of Christians. “I have fought for years to counter the slaughter and persecution of Christians in Nigeria, and this year introduced legislation that will lock in the designation made today,” he said, adding that the bill targets officials who implement blasphemy and Sharia laws.

The senator praised Trump’s decision, calling it a critical step in changing the behavior of Nigerian authorities and preventing further violence. Trump’s announcement cited claims that thousands of Christians have been killed by radical Islamist groups in Nigeria, describing the situation as a growing threat to Christianity and calling for immediate investigations.

The allegations have been rejected by both the Christian Association of Nigeria and the Nigerian Presidency. CAN described the reports as false narratives promoted by foreign agents, while the Presidency maintained that no religious war is taking place in the country.