APPRAISAL OF THE OFFENCE OF BLASPHEMY AND JUNGLE JUSTICE IN THE NIGERIAN LEGAL SYSTEM

Abstract

In May 2022, Deborah Samuel, a 200-level student at Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, was stoned to death and her body set ablaze following allegations of blasphemy. The incident generated widespread public concern and raised important legal questions regarding the legality of such actions within the Nigerian legal system.

This study examines the legal frameworks governing the offence of blasphemy under Islamic law (Sharia), Christian doctrine, Nigerian law, selected foreign jurisdictions, and international human rights law. It adopts a doctrinal, library-based research methodology, relying on relevant primary and secondary sources, supplemented by current materials obtained through internet-based research.

The study finds that the killing of Deborah Samuel was unlawful under Nigerian law and inconsistent with the applicable legal principles across the various legal and religious frameworks examined. It concludes that the extrajudicial killing constituted a grave violation of the rule of law and fundamental human rights. The paper recommends strengthening the enforcement of criminal laws, promoting religious tolerance and public legal education, and ensuring that allegations of blasphemy are addressed exclusively through lawful judicial processes to prevent similar incidents in the future.