Uncategorized
US Congress Urged to Press Nigeria to Abolish Sharia Law, Disband Hisbah Commissions
By: Fabian Apechihin
United States lawmakers have been urged to pressure the Nigerian government to abolish Sharia law in northern states where it is currently enforced and to dismantle the religious enforcement Hisbah commissions, amid growing concerns that these institutions are fueling anti-Christian persecution.
The call was made on Tuesday, December 2, during a joint congressional briefing convened by the House Appropriations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Dr. Ebenezer Obadare, Senior Fellow for Africa Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, told the lawmakers that the major drivers of violence in Nigeria are Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and radicalised Fulani militants.
Obadare said terrorist groups exploit Sharia legal frameworks and the Hisbah system to impose extremist ideology, force religious conversions, and operate with near-total impunity.
According to a statement issued by the Appropriations Committee, Obadare outlined a two-pronged strategy for the United States:
“The policy goal should be two-fold: first, work with the Nigerian military to neutralise Boko Haram. Second, the United States should put pressure on President Tinubu to make Sharia law unconstitutional in the twelve northern states where it has been adopted since 2000 and to disband the various Hisbah groups seeking to impose Islamic law on all citizens regardless of religion.”
He also acknowledged that the Nigerian government has shown some responsiveness to international pressure.
“As recent events have shown, the Nigerian authorities are not impervious to incentives,” he said, adding that “Washington must keep up the pressure.”
Accusations of Religious Cleansing
The bipartisan session, led by Appropriations Vice Chair Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL) and involving the House Foreign Affairs Committee, heard repeated allegations that the Nigerian government is complicit in what lawmakers described as “religious cleansing” across the North and Middle Belt.
Witnesses referenced the November 22 abduction of children and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, ongoing imprisonments under blasphemy laws, and repeated mass killings. They rejected claims that the violence is driven solely by competition over land and resources.
Obadare stressed that jihadist terrorism remains Nigeria’s most severe threat.
“The deadliest and most serious threat confronting the Nigerian state today is jihadist terror, perpetrated by the Islamist group Boko Haram,” he said.
“Boko Haram’s barbarous campaign to overthrow the Nigerian state and establish an Islamic caliphate is the central source of Nigeria’s crisis. Any solution that does not prioritise degrading and eliminating Boko Haram as a fighting force is a non-starter.”
Lawmakers Call for Stronger US Action
Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ) described Nigeria as “ground zero” for global anti-Christian persecution, while Representative Brian Mast (R-FL) called for the disarmament of militias and the prosecution of attackers.
Chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, Vicky Hartzler, alongside Alliance Defending Freedom International’s Sean Nelson, detailed recent atrocities and urged Washington to use security aid, early-warning systems, and targeted sanctions to enforce accountability.
Lawmakers from both parties expressed support for FY26 appropriations language proposed by Díaz-Balart to address the crisis.
They also announced that the Appropriations Committee is preparing a formal report to President Donald Trump with concrete recommendations, including possible conditions on U.S. assistance to Nigeria.
Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihir-Raji’un.
The Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of , Hon. Inuwa Bwala, on behalf of the management and staff, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of veteran journalist and pioneer editor of the newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman.
Bwala also extended condolences to Suleiman’s family, associates and the Nigerian media industry, describing his passing as a monumental loss at a time his experience, courage and service to the nation were still greatly needed.
Suleiman reportedly died shortly before a scheduled surgery.
A pioneer editor of National Trail Newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman was regarded as a thoroughbred journalist with a remarkable talent for breaking exclusive stories and shaping public discourse through responsible journalism.
Throughout his distinguished career, he worked with notable media organisations, including National Trail Newspaper, Daily Trust, Summit and The Road. He earned widespread admiration for fearless reporting, ethical conduct and unwavering commitment to professionalism.
His writings and public interventions consistently reflected deep concern for justice, peace, accountability and national unity.
Beyond journalism, Suleiman was widely respected as a bridge-builder who strongly believed in dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse peoples. He remained steadfast in his conviction that truth and justice are essential pillars for national progress.
Though his voice has now gone silent, the values and ideals he stood for will continue to inspire generations. His legacy as a principled journalist, advocate and patriot will endure in the hearts of many whose lives he touched through his work and humanity.
The management and staff of National Trail Newspaper prayed Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and comfort his family, friends, colleagues and members of the in this moment of grief.
Rest in peace, Abdulazeez Suleiman. Your service and legacy will not be forgotten.
Uncategorized
JUST IN: After Primary Election Victory, Shehu Sani Visits Parents’ Graves to Offer Prayers and Express Gratitude to God
Following his victory in the party primary election, Senator Shehu Sani visited the graves of his parents to pray and give thanks to Almighty God.
The former senator described the visit as very important to him, noting that his parents played a significant role in his upbringing and in shaping his political life.
Shehu Sani prayed for Allah to forgive his parents and all deceased Muslims, while also reaffirming his commitment to continue serving the people with honesty and integrity after securing victory in the primaries.
The gesture has attracted attention from his supporters and social media users, many of whom praised his act of remembering his parents after a political success.
Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihir-Raji’un.
The Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of , Hon. Inuwa Bwala, on behalf of the management and staff, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of veteran journalist and pioneer editor of the newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman.
Bwala also extended condolences to Suleiman’s family, associates and the Nigerian media industry, describing his passing as a monumental loss at a time his experience, courage and service to the nation were still greatly needed.
Suleiman reportedly died shortly before a scheduled surgery.
A pioneer editor of National Trail Newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman was regarded as a thoroughbred journalist with a remarkable talent for breaking exclusive stories and shaping public discourse through responsible journalism.
Throughout his distinguished career, he worked with notable media organisations, including National Trail Newspaper, Daily Trust, Summit and The Road. He earned widespread admiration for fearless reporting, ethical conduct and unwavering commitment to professionalism.
His writings and public interventions consistently reflected deep concern for justice, peace, accountability and national unity.
Beyond journalism, Suleiman was widely respected as a bridge-builder who strongly believed in dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse peoples. He remained steadfast in his conviction that truth and justice are essential pillars for national progress.
Though his voice has now gone silent, the values and ideals he stood for will continue to inspire generations. His legacy as a principled journalist, advocate and patriot will endure in the hearts of many whose lives he touched through his work and humanity.
The management and staff of National Trail Newspaper prayed Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and comfort his family, friends, colleagues and members of the in this moment of grief.
Rest in peace, Abdulazeez Suleiman. Your service and legacy will not be forgotten.
Dr. Nafiu Sankara Emerges as Kano Central Senatorial Candidate Ahead of the Next Elections
National Trail Mourns Pioneer Editor, Abdulazeez Suleiman
Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu Declared Winner of Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency in Taraba
-
Uncategorized5 years agoFG, states urged to harness flooding for ranching, others with technology – Agbaje
-
Headlines10 years agoBreaking: EFCC seals Borno House of Assembly, as Hon members take to their heels
-
News12 years agoNigeria Security Operatives Stage Manhunt For Homosexual Perpetrator
-
News9 years agoHow 21-year-old Girl fled community over accusation of lesbianism
-
News10 years agoYobe Gov Moves Against Deputy
-
Opinion7 years ago7 signs she has friend zoned you
-
Technology5 years ago
Online job placement company headhunts women
-
Headlines10 years agoBorno Dep Gov Abducts Another Church Leader