The Media Rights Agenda (MRA) is calling on the Federal Government to act swiftly to comply with a landmark judgment issued by the ECOWAS Court of Justice on April 9, 2025.

The regional court ruled that aspects of Kano State’s blasphemy laws breach Nigeria’s international human rights obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

In a statement issued, the MRA emphasised that the immediate implementation of the court’s ruling is crucial to upholding the rule of law, protecting freedom of expression, and strengthening Nigeria’s global reputation as a democracy that respects human rights.

The ruling responded to a lawsuit filed by Expression Now Human Rights Initiative, which challenged the legality of blasphemy-related provisions in the Kano State Penal Code and the Sharia Penal Code Law of 2000. The ECOWAS Court found that these laws, along with similar statutes in other Nigerian states, violate constitutionally and internationally protected rights, especially the right to free expression.

A panel of three judges unanimously concluded that such laws are incompatible with Nigeria’s treaty obligations. The Court directed the Federal Government to initiate necessary legal reforms to repeal or amend these provisions in both federal and state legislation.

MRA’s Acting Head of Legal, Mr. Monday Arunsi, expressed support for the Court’s stance, particularly its observation that capital punishment should be reserved for the gravest offences, such as murder or terrorism, not speech-related infractions.

He highlighted the Court’s recommendation that there are less restrictive means of maintaining public order and religious respect without curbing fundamental freedoms.

“Nigeria cannot selectively adhere to its international commitments,” Arunsi said. “The ECOWAS judgment is binding, and compliance is a legal necessity, not a matter of choice. Failure to act undermines both the regional human rights system and Nigeria’s credibility.”

He further pointed out that the ruling reinforces concerns long raised by rights advocates, both within Nigeria and internationally, regarding the use of criminal law to penalise blasphemy, often with severe sentences, including the death penalty.

Arunsi urged the Federal Government to lead efforts at all levels of governance, engaging with state authorities, particularly in Kano and other northern states, to ensure that existing laws are brought into line with Nigeria’s human rights commitments.

“These reforms must ensure that freedom of expression is protected, while also safeguarding religious freedoms in a balanced and lawful manner,” he said. “Respecting the authority of international courts is crucial for justice, human dignity, and Nigeria’s place on the world stage.”

MRA also called on the National Assembly, the National Human Rights Commission, and relevant institutions to support legislative and policy measures aligning Nigeria’s legal system with its international obligations.