Still, large numbers of non-Muslims in the northern state have reportedly moved south, to escape what they believe will be a harsh legal system. Sharia imposes stiff punishments for some crimes, including hand amputation for theft and death for adultery. Haruna Salihi, a lecturer in the political science department at Kano's Bayero University, says many people misunderstand what Sharia is about. What is very clear is that most of Sharia is not in the punishment, or what is carried out in the courts. Kano has the largest number of Muslims of any state in Nigeria.
Nigerian officials insist the country can function with two different legal systems.
The officials say the people of Nigeria's predominantly Muslim north want a legal code that corresponds to their religious beliefs and lifestyles, and they are willing to accept its strict legal remedies.