The Nigerian federal constitution declares the secularity of the Nigerian state and guarantees fundamental rights such as freedom of expression, freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. However, since 1999 when civil rule was restored, Islamic religion seeks to extend the prongs of its law and legal system beyond the scope authorized by the constitution. This work interrogates the law against blasphemy promulgated in northern parts of Nigeria from a domestic and international laws perspectives. The conclusion reached is that the law against blasphemy enacted and enforced in Nigeria is inconsistent with the tenets of secularism and constitutional democracy which the country has irrevocably opted for. The paper also found that the blasphemy law poses serious challenges to respect for freedom of religion and free speech; recognized by local and international laws and recommend that the secularity of Nigeria be upheld. In addition, the National Assembly should legislate on religious offences with reasonable punishment since religion is a serious issue in Nigeria.
Keywords: Shariah, Blasphemy, Democracy, Secularism, Nigeria