ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) has 12 member nations, including Nigeria, and the justices unanimously ordered Nigeria to repeal, or amend, blasphemy laws across the nation. Blasphemy laws in the state ‘had led to serious violations including arbitrary arrests, prolonged detention, and in some cases, death sentences’, said Expression Now Human Rights Initiative, as reported by Nigeria’s Punch newspaper.
As well as infringing on freedom of expression, these laws often lead to extrajudicial mob violence. Even when someone is never officially found guilty of blasphemy, an accusation can make them very vulnerable to vigilante attacks, and even murder.
Kano State is ruled by sharia (Islamic law), and Section 210 of the Kano State Penal Code was singled out. The court said: “It fails to clearly define what constitutes an insult to religion’, falling short of the legal clarity required under human rights law.” The judges also focused on Section 382(b), which imposes the death penalty for insulting Prophet Muhammad. The Justice said it was ‘excessive and disproportionate in a democratic society’.
Kano State officials have signalled unhappiness at the ruling. “We will not be deterred by external pressures,” Kano State Commissioner Ibrahim Waiya said. “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.”
Meanwhile, campaigners for religious freedom are celebrating the result. “Religious laws must not become instruments for fear and mob justice,” said rights group, Rivers in the Desert Nigeria, describing it as ‘a matter of life, dignity and Nigeria’s soul’. The Christian Association of Nigeria warmly supported the court and urged Kano State to adhere to the ruling of ECOWAS.
A good result for every Nigerian citizen
John Samuel*, Open Doors’ legal expert for sub-Saharan Africa, noted that every single Nigerian citizen – regardless of background or religion – would enjoy protection as a result of the ruling.
“People of all faiths and none have had their right to religious freedom and free expression upheld,” he said. “The decision is highly welcomed. The Nigerian government should take the necessary steps to repeal or amend the blasphemy laws, in accordance with this ruling.”
Arise Africa
While southern Nigeria has a majority-Christian population, most of the northern states are mostly Muslim. States have individual federal laws, alongside nationwide laws, which is why Kano has been singled out in this case.
In the north of the country, Christians are also particularly vulnerable to jihadist attacks – though this Islamist militant violence is also spreading further south in the country. According to Open Doors research, more Christians are killed for their faith in Nigeria than in the rest of the world combined – and millions of believers in sub-Saharan Africa are being displaced by violence and conflict, including persecution.
In response, the African church is asking people to stand with them – through prayer, through support, and through signing the Arise Africa petition. This ruling by ECOWAS shows that amplifying the voices of the persecuted can lead to change – and that is the hope for the Arise Africa petition, which calls for protection, justice and restoration for religious minorities in sub-Saharan Africa. It is intended to be presented to the Africa Union, UN, EU, and local governments including the UK government in 2026. If you haven’t done so yet, do add your voice to the petition – and encourage others to sign too. Stories like this one show why calling for justice is crucial – and can lead to big results.
*Names changed for security reasons
By Simon, Open Doors
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