BETWEEN TWO WORLDS: ANALYSIZING THE CONVERGENCE OF SECULAR AND ISLAMIC LAW IN NIGERIA’S JUSTICE SYSTEM-A STUDY OF SUNDAY JACKSONS’ CASE (2015-2025)

Aristotle Isaac Jacobs; Bubarayi G. Ibani

doi:10.61796/ijss.v3i2.128

Authors

Aristotle Isaac Jacobs
[email protected]
Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Nigeria
Bubarayi G. Ibani Niger Delta University, Nigeria

Vol. 3 No. 2 (2026): Journal of Social Science

Articles

June 2, 2026

Downloads

View Article

Abstract
How to Cite
Metrics
References
License

Objective: This study explores the synthesis between secular and sharia law in Nigeria’s justice system: A study of Sunday Jackson’s trial of (2015-2025), it further explores how these legal traditions interact and sometimes conflict in practice. Using Jackson’s case as a focal point, it examines tensions between constitutional guarantees of human rights and religiously grounded principles, highlighting issues of jurisdictions, fairness, and legal certainty. Method: The theoretical framework for the study was discussed in an eclectic form namely: Demand-side Theory (DST), Supply-side Theory (SST) and, Legal pluralism Theory (LPT), but we adopted the later. This research employs a doctrinal and case study perspective to assess the historical development of legal pluralism, its constitutional basis, and its practical challenges. Results: It further evaluates how courts balance secular and Islamic law, especially in criminal matters, and the implications for justice delivery and human rights protection. Study findings also show that while pluralism promotes cultural and religious inclusivity, it also creates inconsistences and risks of right violations. Novelty: Nigeria’s legal system operates at the intersection of secular, customary and sharia law, creating a pluralistic framework that reflects its religious and cultural diversity. Therefore, the study recommends constitutional reforms, clearer jurisdictional boundaries, and judicial training to harmonize Nigeria’s legal systems with international human rights standards.

Jacobs, A. I., & Ibani , B. G. (2026). BETWEEN TWO WORLDS: ANALYSIZING THE CONVERGENCE OF SECULAR AND ISLAMIC LAW IN NIGERIA’S JUSTICE SYSTEM-A STUDY OF SUNDAY JACKSONS’ CASE (2015-2025). Journal of Social Science, 3(2), 428–440. https://doi.org/10.61796/ijss.v3i2.128

Download Citation

[1] F. Olokor, “Sharia provisions should be expunged from Nigerian constitution, says Human rights group,” The Arise News, June 9, 2025.

[2] I. P. Maichiki and S. V. Akwe, “Secularism and Sharia law: Nigerian government position,” Zaria Journal of Educational Studies, vol. 21, no. 1, pp. 108–123, 2024.

[4] I. K. E. Oraegbunam, Sharia criminal law, Islam and democracy in Nigeria today, 2011.

[6] S. Mahmood, “Secularism, hermeneutics, and empire: The politics of Islamic reformation,” Public Culture, vol. 18, no. 2, pp. 323–347, 2006.

[10] A. A. An-Naim, Islam and the secular state: Negotiating the future of Sharia, Harvard University Press, 2008.

[11] B. Musalhi, “Navigating the intersection of Islamic law and secular governance: A comparative study of contemporary principles,” 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.researchgate.com

[12] M. H. Kukah, Witness to justice: A plea for Christians in Nigeria, Bookcraft Publishers, 2011.

[13] S. Suberu, Federalism and ethnic conflict in Nigeria, United States Institute of Peace Press, 2009.

[14] S. Suberu, Religion and institutions: Federalism and the management of conflicts over Sharia in Nigeria, Journal of International Development, vol. 23, no. 4, pp. 547–560, 2011.

[16] A. Riaz, “Bangladesh: A weak state with weak political order,” Journal of South Asian Studies, vol. 37, no. 3, pp. 441–455, 2014.

[17] A. Jalal, The struggle for Pakistan’s soul, Foreign Affairs, vol. 92, no. 5, pp. 123–136, 2013.

[18] D. Siddiqi, “Sharia and women’s rights: A Bangladeshi perspective,” Journal of Islamic Law and Culture, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 41–58, 2011.

[19] I. Ahmed, The politics of religion in South Asia, Routledge Publishers, 2010.

[20] W. B. Hallaq, Sharia: Theory, practice, transformations, Cambridge University Press, 2009.

[21] B. O. Nwabueze, “The secularity of the Nigerian state,” Journal of Law and Religion, vol. 22, no. 1, pp. 1–20, 2007.

[22] A. I. Abikan, “The interplay of personal laws and secular law in Nigeria,” Journal of Islamic Law and Culture, vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 123–140, 2001.

[24] A. S. Garba and S. Magaji, “Examining Nigeria as a secular or multi-religious state within the microscope of its right to religion,” African Journal of Legal Research (AJLR), vol. 1, no. I, pp. 109–123, 2023.

[26] R. T. Suberu, Religion and institutions: Federalism and the management of conflicts over Sharia in Nigeria, Journal of International Development, vol. 23, no. 4, pp. 547–560, 2011.

[27] O. C. Okafor, Legitimizing human rights NGOs: Lessons from Nigeria, Africa World Press, 2011.

[36] U. Adil, “A conceptual analysis of secularism and its legitimacy in the constitutional democratic state,” 2015. [Online]. Available: https://foxfellowship.yale.edu/sites/default/files/files/Adil%20Ustrulai%20%20Policy%20Brief.pdf

[37] G. Phillips, “Introduction to Secularism,” Journal of Secular Society, vol. 2, no. 1, pp. 10–11, 2011.

[38] S. Y. Abdullah, “Priorities in the establishment of the Sharia system in Nigeria,” in Z. I. Oseni (Ed.), A Digest on Islamic Law and Jurisprudence in Nigeria, vol. 3, pp. 6–13, 2003.

[39] J. Casanova, P. Norris, and R. Inglehart, “Secularization and societal demand for religion,” in Ademowo, 2014, pp. 7–9.

[40] P. Norris and R. Inglehart, as cited in Ademowo, “Demand-side vs. supply-side theories of secularization,” 2014, p. 7.

[41] V. O. Nmehielle, Sharia law in northern states of Nigeria: To implement or not to implement, the constitutionality is the question, Northwestern University Press, 2004.

[43] R. Peters, Sharia and national law in Nigeria, Leiden University Press, 2003.

[44] S. E. Merry, “Legal pluralism,” Law and Society Review, vol. 22, no. 5, pp. 869–896, 1988.

[45] I. J. Aristotle and K. E. Okomi, “Cultural contextualization of paternity dispute resolution in Nigeria: Integrating traditional and modern approaches,” International Journal of Development and Public Policy, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 117–127, 2026.

[46] A. Hassan, “The Oracle: Justice denied? The Supreme Court’s judgment in Sunday Jackson’s self-defense case (Pt. 1),” 2025. [Online]. Available: https://mikeozekhlomeschambers.com

[47] Additional sources previously cited in your paper (e.g., Adil, Adegbite, Abikan, Nmehielle, Peters) as per IEEE numbering.

[48] Vanguard Newspaper, “Sunday Jackson case coverage,” Dec. 3, 2025.