…Failure to act on binding judgment undermines rule of law and Nigeria’s global human rights commitments, rights group warns
By Bunmi Yekini
LAGOS, Nigeria — Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has called on the Federal Government to urgently implement the April 9, 2025 judgment of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, which declared parts of Kano State’s blasphemy laws as violations of Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.
The ECOWAS Court ruled unanimously in favour of Expression Now Human Rights Initiative, a human rights group that had challenged the legality of blasphemy provisions in the Kano State Penal Code and its Sharia Penal Code Law of 2000. The Court found that these laws — and similar provisions in other states — contravene Nigeria’s obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
In a statement issued in Lagos, Mr. Monday Arunsi, Acting Head of MRA’s Legal Department, emphasized the urgency for Nigeria to respect the binding nature of the ruling.
> “Nigeria cannot pick and choose which of its international obligations to respect,” Arunsi said. “The judgment of the ECOWAS Court is binding, and the Federal Government has a legal and moral duty to comply with it.”
The Court’s judgment noted that capital punishment should be limited to severe crimes involving victims and grave harm — not speech or expressions deemed disrespectful. It called for less restrictive measures to protect religious sentiments without infringing on freedom of expression.
Mr. Arunsi said MRA fully agreed with the Court’s position, stressing that the ruling underscores long-standing concerns by both local and international human rights advocates about the harshness of blasphemy laws, particularly in Northern Nigeria.
> “The Federal Government must demonstrate leadership by engaging with Kano and other states with similar laws to ensure a comprehensive legal reform,” Arunsi said. “This is not just about Kano — it’s about aligning Nigeria’s entire legal framework with global human rights standards.”
He further urged the National Assembly, the National Human Rights Commission, and other institutions to play proactive roles in repealing or amending all legal provisions that violate the right to freedom of expression.
> “Respect for the rule of law and decisions of international courts is fundamental to justice, human rights, and Nigeria’s global standing,” he added.
The ECOWAS Court has directed Nigeria to amend or repeal all offending laws to ensure they comply with its obligations under the African Charter and the ICCPR. MRA insists that compliance is not optional — it is essential for upholding Nigeria’s democratic values.