Muslim lawyers protest new FCT court dress code

 The Muslim Lawyers’ Association of Nigeria, MULAN, has condemned the new directive by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja on lawyers’ dress code. MULAN said the FCT High Court had in a press release on March 28, 2018 “prohibited the use of any apparel underneath wigs by lawyers and by extension the […]

 The Muslim Lawyers’ Association of Nigeria, MULAN, has condemned the new directive by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja on lawyers’ dress code.

MULAN said the FCT High Court had in a press release on March 28, 2018 “prohibited the use of any apparel underneath wigs by lawyers and by extension the hijab by female Muslim lawyers.”

In a communiqué issued at the end of its National Executive Committee meeting in Benin, Edo State on Tuesday, MULAN described the directive as “unfortunate, draconian, illegal, unconstitutional and unlawful.” 

The communiqué was signed by MULAN President, Dr. Kamal Dawud.

The association said the directive was contrary to Section 38 of the constitution, which guarantees citizens’ right to manifest their religion.

“This constitutional provision has enjoyed several judicial interpretations by superior courts to the effect that this right is inalienable provided it does not go against public interest,” it said. 

It added that, “MULAN NEC observed that this directive runs contrary to the 2004 resolution of the Body of Benchers which allows female Law School students and Legal Practitioners to use head cover underneath their wigs. 

“MULAN NEC condemns the directive in the press release in the strongest term and urges the FCT High Court to reverse its decision contained in the press release forthwith.”