The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to urgently appoint qualified Shari’ah experts to the Federal Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court to ensure fair and informed adjudication of Islamic law cases.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, expressed concern over the absence of Shari’ah panels in key appellate courts, described the situation as detrimental to justice delivery.
According to him, despite constitutional provisions for Shari’ah Courts of Appeal to be staffed by experts in Islamic law, the Court of Appeal has reportedly lacked a functional Shari’ah panel for the past seven years. He added that the Supreme Court is also facing a similar challenge, particularly since the exit of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad.
Professor Akintola noted that information available to MURIC suggested there is only one Shari’ah law expert in the entire Court of Appeal and none at the Supreme Court, a development he said has led to delays in handling Shari’ah-related cases and could result in miscarriage of justice.
He further expressed disappointment that, out of 49 candidates reportedly shortlisted in a recent recruitment exercise, only one was a Shari’ah expert, despite the availability of many qualified scholars and Qadis across the country.
“MURIC appeal to the NJC to ensure that the only shortlisted Shari’ah candidate is duly considered,” he said, adding that more qualified Islamic law experts should be appointed in future elevation exercises.
The group also emphasized that being a Muslim judge alone does not qualify one to adjudicate Shari’ah matters, stressed that Islamic law is a distinct and specialized discipline.
MURIC urged the NJC to take urgent steps to address the imbalance in order to promote equity, efficiency, and confidence in the nation’s judicial system.
Professor Akintola reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to dialogue and peaceful advocacy in pursuing justice and fairness for all Nigerians.
