Sharia Court and its Jurisdiction over persons

Summary of the grades, sentencing limits, and jurisdictional rules of Sharia courts in Kano State based on the Sharia court law and ACGL Kano.

Section 3(1) of the Sharia Court Law of Kano State

The legal provision that provides for two types of courts: the Sharia court and the upper Sharia court.

Upper Sharia Court 1

A grade of Sharia court that has unlimited jurisdiction.

Upper Sharia Court 2

A grade of Sharia court that has unlimited jurisdiction.

Principal Sharia Court 1

A court grade that can give a maximum of ten years punishment and can try all cases except homicide, adultery, and robbery.

Principal Sharia Court 2

A court grade with a maximum sentence of seven years that can try all cases except homicide, adultery, robbery, and riots.

Senior Sharia Court

A court grade with a maximum of six years sentence that can try all cases except homicide, adultery, and robbery.

Higher Sharia Court

A court grade with a maximum of five years for imprisonment that can try all cases except homicide, adultery, and robbery.

Sharia Court (Grade)

The grade of court with a three years maximum sentence that can try all cases except homicide, adultery, and robbery.

Section 11 ACGL Kano

The law providing for Sharia court jurisdiction over persons.

Jurisdiction over Persons (General)

Sharia courts have jurisdiction over a defendant who is a Muslim or a non-Muslim who has submitted to the jurisdiction of the court.

Jurisdiction over Joint Offenses

Where an offense was jointly committed with a non-Muslim who refuses to submit to the jurisdiction, the case can be referred to the Magistrate Court or other courts with jurisdiction.