The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court of Justice has taken formal steps to ensure Nigeria complies with its landmark ruling challenging the country’s blasphemy laws in Kano State.
The court issued a writ of execution on 23 September 2025, which was officially received by Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Justice on 6 October 2025. This writ directs the Nigerian government to implement the court’s judgement, which mandates the repeal or amendment of specific provisions of both the Kano State Penal Code and the Kano State Sharia Penal Code that are deemed restrictive to freedom of expression.
The action stems from ECOWAS Court judgement number ECW/CCJ/JUD/20/25, which had previously ruled that certain clauses in the Kano laws violated citizens’ rights under regional and international human rights frameworks.
Legal analysts say the writ represents a significant step, as it gives the ECOWAS Court’s ruling formal enforceability, putting pressure on the Nigerian government to comply or risk further legal and diplomatic consequences.
The ruling specifically targets provisions that have historically been used to criminalize criticism, satire, and other forms of expression considered blasphemous under the law. Advocates for human rights in Nigeria have welcomed the court’s move, describing it as a major step toward safeguarding freedom of speech in the country.
The Federal Ministry of Justice is now expected to initiate measures to align the relevant Kano State laws with the ECOWAS Court’s directives, a process that could involve consultation with state lawmakers, legal experts, and civil society organizations.
Background: Kano State is one of several northern states in Nigeria that operate under a combination of federal law and Sharia Penal Codes. Critics argue that some provisions in these laws have been misused to suppress dissent and free expression, sparking long-standing legal and human rights debates
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