Danmaliki Warns Nigerians Against Fake Report on Alleged Plan by Tinubu to Abolish Sharia Criminal Law

Hon. Aminu Mohammed Danmaliki.

From Paul Orude, Bauchi

The President of the Bauchi Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA), Hon. Aminu Mohammed Danmaliki, has cautioned Nigerians against falling for an unverified online report claiming that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu plans to abolish Sharia criminal law in the North.

Danmaliki alleged that, according to the online publication, President Tinubu is also planning to rename the country The United States of Nigeria and restructure the federation without national consensus.

In a statement he personally signed on Wednesday, Danmaliki warned Nigerians to disregard the viral social media report alleging that the Federal Government intends to rename Nigeria and abolish Sharia law.

He described the claims as “sensational, unverified, and capable of provoking unnecessary tension,” adding that constitutional amendments cannot be introduced through anonymous leaks or online gossip.

“Nigeria’s Constitution cannot be rewritten through rumours. Until the Presidency officially confirms such proposals, this report remains speculative and should be treated with caution,” he stated.

Reacting specifically to the claim that Sharia criminal law will be abolished, Danmaliki reaffirmed that Sharia remains a constitutionally protected legal system for Nigerian Muslims.

“Sharia is a constitutional right, not a political favour,” he stated.

“No individual or government can tamper with it without following due constitutional processes.

“Any attempt to undermine Muslim legal rights will be democratically resisted”

He further explained that Sharia courts do not affect non-Muslims and have historically provided a fair, transparent and rights-based legal system admired around the world.

While advising the Federal Government to avoid actions that may generate unnecessary religious or regional tension, Danmaliki warned that the viral report appears crafted to ignite conflict between Nigeria’s regions and religious groups.

“The intention behind this publication seems to be to provoke the North and excite the South,” he observed.

“Nigerians must not allow misinformation to divide a country already facing economic and security challenges”

Acknowledging ongoing debates about restructuring, he stressed that such reforms must be achieved through national dialogue, transparency and broad consensus, not unilateral proposals.

“The North is not afraid of restructuring. But restructuring cannot come in the form of abolishing Sharia or diminishing the religious identity of any group, particularly Muslims,” he added.

Danmaliki urged leaders, media houses and citizens to avoid inflammatory reactions until official clarification is issued by the Federal Government.

“This is a delicate moment for the nation. We must protect unity, verify information and avoid statements that could cause fear or instability,” he cautioned.

He reassured Nigerians that any real attempt to alter the constitutional balance or remove Sharia jurisdiction will face legal, democratic and institutional resistance