NIGERIA – Christians tried before shari'a courts
15/11/06
Trying, sentencing non-Muslims could threaten peace
The north-west zone of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) last week condemned the repeated trial of Christians before shari'a (Islamic) courts in Kaduna without the due consent of the Christians.
According to a statement by CAN, several letters had been written to the Grand Khadi (Islamic chief judge) in the state, where they pointed out the obvious disregard for the judicial reforms in the state.
CAN notes that in spite of the protest against the trial of Christians in shari'acourts in Kaduna, the act had continued with the passing of judgement on Christians without their consent, noting that this could threaten the peace.
This is one complaint that should be treated with urgency to ensure things do not get out of hand. If the Islamic leaders in the state have failed to respond adequately to this distress, the state cannot afford to delay.
Even as the state is expected to act quickly, the federal government must intervene now before the situation escalates. This must be done quickly to avoid the repeat of religious violence that results in the loss of human lives and property.
If what CAN has said is correct, all peace-loving people in Nigeria and beyond must persuade the Islamic courts to desist from acts capable of disturbing the peace, including trying and sentencing Christians.
In the interest of fairness and of peace, the shari'a courts must be seen to have completely absolved all Christians arraigned before them of all charges and be transferred to legitimate courts of law in the state for proper trial.
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