Speaking on Arise News, Reuben Abati argued that Sharia law in Nigeria is a constitutional matter that President Tinubu cannot change by himself.
This discussion follows a recent report from a U.S. investigative team that looked into religious issues within the country.
Abati pointed out that Sharia has been a part of Nigeria’s legal framework since the 1979 Constitution. Since it is a "constitutional matter," the President doesn't have the power to just wipe it away.
In late 2025, President Trump ordered a committee to look into claims of religious persecution in Nigeria. That committee has now handed its report to the White House.
Abati clarified that the U.S. government hasn't officially adopted the report's suggestions yet. It is currently just the "opinion" of the investigators, and Nigeria has not yet issued a formal reply.
He defended the process, saying that the U.S. visit wasn't a violation of Nigeria's independence, but rather a standard diplomatic investigation.
