A LEGAL EXAMINATION OF ASPECTS OF THE RIGHTS OF MINORITY RELIGIOUS GROUPS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The Right to Freedom of Religion is one of the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and other regional and international laws.  However, this right, like many other fundamental rights is not given the desired enforcement. The situation is even worse when it concerns minority religious groups. The majority religious groups have intimidating and overwhelming advantages over the minority religious groups. This article shall examine the effectiveness of this right in Nigeria. The research methodology adopted in this work is doctrinal whereby primary sources such of statutes, case laws, and secondary sources such as text books and journal articles are considered. Findings show that some of the minority religious groups and beliefs are viewed as being fetish and unacceptable. Government at all levels clearly favour majority religious groups for political and selfish reasons, it is recommended among others that, workable measures for the enforcement of laws on the rights to freedom of religion be put in place. specialized laws and institutions be put in place to keep these abuses in check.