“We Will Not Be Deterred by External Pressures” — Kano Govt Insists on Blasphemy Laws Despite ECOWAS Ruling

The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining its blasphemy laws, rejecting a recent ruling by the ECOWAS Court of Justice that declared aspects of the laws incompatible with international human rights standards.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, stated that Kano would not yield to external pressures and would continue to protect what it views as the religious and moral values of its predominantly Muslim population.

“We will not be deterred by external pressures. Our responsibility is to uphold the values of our society, which are grounded in religious and moral beliefs. While we respect international opinions, our laws are a reflection of our people’s will,” Waiya said.

Waiya emphasized that Kano’s position is rooted in Nigeria’s federal structure, which allows states to legislate based on their unique cultural, moral, and religious contexts. He noted that the laws are a reflection of the desires of Kano residents who have mandated the government to preserve peace and religious integrity.

“The people of Kano have entrusted us with the responsibility to maintain peace and protect their religious values. These laws are central to that mission, and they will remain firmly in place,” he said.

While acknowledging the authority of the ECOWAS Court, the Kano State Government insisted that the governance of the state must reflect its distinctive moral and religious framework. The state further argued that its blasphemy laws align with Nigeria’s constitutional allowance for legal pluralism, enabling states to legislate on matters such as criminal law.