The Supreme Nigerian Council of the Shariah said that an ad hoc school has been invested with powers in civil law cases. The council made the announcement durin a ceremony in the central mosque of Ibadan, in Oyo.
To date, 12 northern states have established the Islamic law, or Shariah. Its introduction has triggered clashes resulting in more than 1,000 deaths.
Islamic law in Nigeria gain international attention when the court of the state of Sokoto sentenced Safiya Husseini, 35, to death by stoning for adultery. She was later acquitted by a court of appeal.
In March, a Muslim court in the state of Katsina condemned Amina Lawal, also 35, to stoning for adultery.
