By Abiodun Lawal

The Ogun Government has warned against illegal attempts to establish a Sharia Court in the state.

Gov. Dapo Abiodun, in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Tuesday, said Sharia Courts could not be legally constituted by individuals or groups without legal backing.

According to him, the government was reacting to a notice announcing the launch of a Sharia Court in the state.

Abiodun explained that the government only recognised courts established through the legal framework of the Nigerian Constitution.

He adds that a Sharia Court does not form part of the legal framework operating in the state.

?The Ogun State Government has noted the circulation of a digital notice announcing the launch of a Sharia Court in Ogun State.

?No Sharia Court is authorised to operate within Ogun State.

?The courts that are legally empowered to adjudicate disputes arising within Ogun State are those established by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or by State Laws.

?These are: Magistrates? Courts, High Court, Customary Courts, Customary Court of Appeal, Federal High Court, National Industrial Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court.

?No law operating in Ogun State has established a Sharia Court, and Sharia law does not form part of the legal framework by which the Ogun State Government administers and governs society,? he said.

Abiodun, however, said the government would uphold and protect the rights of individuals to practice the religion of their choice, or to subscribe to no religion.

According to him, the government recognises the freedom of individuals to apply their faith in their personal and private matters.

?The Ogun State Government hereby directs that all persons involved in the creation or operation of this unauthorised court must immediately cease all related activities and disband the illegal entity and all its apparatus.

?The government also advises members of the public to disregard any summons, documents, or persons associated with the illegal Sharia Court.

?The Ogun State Government will uphold the rule of law, ensure respect for the legal and judicial framework within the state, and prevent a breakdown of law and order,? he said. (NAN)