US senator sponsors bill to punish Nigerians enforcing Sharia, blasphemy laws

A United States lawmaker, Senator Ted Cruz, has introduced a bill seeking sanctions against individuals and government officials in Nigeria accused of enforcing blasphemy and Sharia laws, amid claims of widespread persecution of Christians in the country.

The Texas senator announced the proposal in a statement on Friday, following former President Donald Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over religious freedom violations.

Cruz said his legislation aims to reinforce Washington’s position and ensure that those responsible for alleged religious oppression face consequences.

“I am deeply gratified to President Trump for making this determination. I have fought for years to counter the slaughter and persecution of Christians in Nigeria, and this year introduced legislation that will lock in the designation made today,” he stated.

According to Cruz, the bill would strengthen U.S. measures against Nigerian officials accused of fostering an environment where Christians face violence and discrimination.

“Today’s designation is a critical step in holding accountable and changing the behaviour of Nigerian officials who have facilitated and created an environment conducive to the outrages in Nigeria. My legislation implements additional steps, including targeting those who implement blasphemy and sharia laws in Nigeria, and I am committed to working with the administration and my colleagues to advance my bill and implement these necessary measures,” he added.

The senator also praised Trump’s role, saying, “Today’s decision by President Trump is a great one, and I thank him for his strong leadership.”

Trump’s declaration followed his claim that thousands of Christians had been killed by radical Islamist groups in Nigeria, describing the situation as a growing threat to global Christianity.

He warned that the United States “cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening,” urging swift investigations and policy actions.

However, both the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Nigerian Presidency have dismissed the allegations of a Christian genocide.

While CAN described the reports as “false narratives peddled by foreign agents,” the Presidency maintained that there is no religious war in the country.