Last month, the Court of Gwadabawa in the state of Sokoto condemned Safiya Tungar-Tudu, 33, to death. The woman admitted she had engaged in extramarital relations, an offense punishable by death, according to Muslim courts.
The woman, who has since fled from home, appealed to the Supreme Court of Sokoto. That court will pass sentence Nov. 27.<br>
«The federal government has taken this matter in hand and I can say that this type of incident will not take place in the Nigeria of 2001,» Justice Minister Ige stated categorically.
Describing the sentence as «rough and primitive,» the Justice Minister lamented the influence of Islamic law in the public affairs of 12 northern Nigerian states.
