Dr. Abdulateef Abdulhakeem, an Islamic cleric, has spoken out against the practice of pardoning and reintegrating offenders, stating it violates the principles of Sharia. During the 20th anniversary celebration of the Osun State Independent Shari’ah Panel held in Osogbo, he emphasized that the core purpose of Sharia is the preservation of justice.
The cleric criticized the misuse of authority to secure freedom for criminals, noting that justice must be impartial. He suggested that resistance to Sharia in Nigeria often stems from a misunderstanding of its firm stance against criminal behavior. Furthermore, he called for adherence to Section 275 of the Nigerian Constitution, advocating for the formal establishment of Sharia Courts to provide ethical guidance for the Muslim community.
He clarified that these courts are intended exclusively for Muslims, with the secular judicial system continuing to serve the broader population. Abdulhakeem also dismissed any connection between religious teachings and acts of terror, arguing that legitimate religious institutions serve as a bulwark against violence.