The Sokoto Child Protection Act does not in any way contradict Shari’ah, some Shari’ah court judges have observed.
Speaking during a 2-day training workshop organized by UNICEF and European Union on child justice administration on Tuesday, some of the participants noted that there was misconception even among the judges about the act.
“Before attending this workshop, l have some reservations about the act but now I am convinced that it is not in any way contradict Shari’ah law.
“In fact, it only entrenches some of the provisions of the law, especially the ones dealing with the children rights,” one of the judges, Wali Abdulazeez Yar Abba, said. He added that, “The law signals a green light to us on the need to carefully observe all provisions enshrined in the new act.
Khadi Dahiru Danjega held that the new law would not in any way promote child immorality.
“Shariah law protect children against any form of injustice. So, this law is not a new thing to us, in fact it brings out some of the hidden knowledges in our religious book which many people don’t have access to.
“This law is timely and not in conflict with Islamic law, norms and culture.
“It will also foster relationship of the children and the courts thereby ensuring that their rights are protected,” he said
One of the facilitators, an associate Professor of law and Dean faculty of law, North East University, Gombe, Professor Umar Alkali, explained that the essence of the workshop was to train judges of Sharia court in child justice administration. especially those who came in contact with the law in line with the provisions of 1989 convention on the rights of the child.
