The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has insisted on establishing Shariah arbitration panels in the six South West states.
MURIC claimed the panels would be for advisory purposes.
According to the group, the courts lack the authority to impose penalties or enforce their rulings.
This was stated by MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, during an interview with journalists on Wednesday.
Akintola explained that the panels exist solely to mediate civil disputes brought to them voluntarily by Muslims and do not have jurisdiction over criminal cases.
“The Shariah panels are for civil matters only. They cannot address criminal cases, nor do they have enforcement powers. Their decisions are voluntary and non-binding,” Akintola stated.
He likened the panels to committees commonly found in religious organisations, emphasising their non-compulsory nature.
“In churches, there are committees for finance, logistics, or planning. These committees cannot enforce contributions or impose penalties on members. Similarly, the Shariah panels are advisory and voluntary,” he explained.
The panels operate in Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti states, serving as a platform for Muslims to resolve civil disputes amicably within the context of Islamic principles.
