Discover Ahmad Sani Yerima biography including his age, net worth, political career, wife, family, and controversies. Learn about his role as Zamfara State Governor, Senator, and the first Nigerian governor to implement Sharia law.

Who is Ahmad Sani Yerima?

Ahmad Sani Yerima is a Nigerian politician, economist, and former Governor of Zamfara State who served from May 1999 to May 2007.

Born on 22 July 1960 in Anka town, Zamfara State, Yerima later represented Zamfara West in the Nigerian Senate from 2007 to 2019. He is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He is best known for being the first Nigerian state governor to implement Sharia law in his state. This came into effect on 27 January 2000 in Zamfara State. The implementation was greeted with enthusiasm by the state’s Muslim majority.

Yerima remains one of Nigeria’s most controversial political figures. His career has been marked by both significant political achievements and controversies surrounding his personal life and religious positions.

Ahmad Sani Yerima Profile Summary

Personal Information	Details
Full Name	Ahmed Rufai Sani Yerima
Date of Birth	22 July 1960
Age	65 years old (as of 2025)
Place of Birth	Anka Town, Zamfara State, Nigeria
State of Origin	Zamfara State
Nationality	Nigerian
Tribe/Ethnicity	Hausa-Fulani
Religion	Islam
Occupation	Politician, Economist, Former Governor, Former Senator
Political Party	All Progressives Congress (APC) – Previously ANPP
Education	B.Sc Economics (1982), M.Sc Economics (1987), Bayero University, Kano
Governorship Term	May 1999 – May 2007 (Two terms)
Senate Term	2007 – 2019 (Three terms)
Notable Position	Deputy Minority Leader, Nigerian Senate
Children	Multiple (including Hon. Ahmad Sani Muhammad, current House of Representatives member)
Net Worth	Not publicly disclosed
Major Achievement	First Nigerian Governor to implement Sharia law

Early Life and Education Background

Ahmed Rufai Sani Yerima was born on 22 July 1960 in Anka town, Zamfara State, Nigeria. He grew up in a predominantly Muslim community in northern Nigeria. Anka has been historically influenced by Islamic traditions dating back centuries.

Primary and Secondary Education

After completing his early education in Zamfara State, Yerima attended Sokoto College of Arts and Science. He completed a matriculation course there in 1978. This prepared him for university admission.

University Education

In 1978, Yerima gained admission to Bayero University in Kano, one of northern Nigeria’s premier institutions. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) degree in Economics in 1982.

His academic performance was strong. He returned to the same institution in 1984. He pursued postgraduate studies and achieved a Master of Science (M.Sc) degree in Economics in 1987.

National Youth Service Corps

As part of his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Yerima was posted to Borno State. He worked in the Budget Department of the Governor’s office. He also taught at the Borno College of Basic Studies in Maiduguri. This experience gave him valuable insight into government budgetary processes.

Early Career in Civil Service

Sokoto State Civil Service (1983-1998)

In 1983, Yerima began his professional career. He joined the Sokoto state civil service as an economic planning officer in the Ministry of Finance. This marked the beginning of his involvement in public sector financial management.

Federal Government Experience

Between 1988 and 1993, Yerima worked with various Federal Government bodies. His positions included:

These roles provided him with broad experience in economic planning and financial regulation. He gained expertise that would later inform his governance approach.

Return to State Service

In 1994, Yerima returned to the Sokoto state civil service. He was appointed Director of Budget in the Ministry of Finance. He held this position until October 1996 when Zamfara State was created.

Following the creation of Zamfara State, Yerima was appointed Director-General of Lands and Housing. He later became Permanent Secretary in the same department. These senior positions positioned him well for political leadership.

In September 1998, Yerima left the civil service. He decided to pursue a political career.

Political Career and Governorship

Election as Governor (1999)

In 1999, as Nigeria transitioned to democracy after years of military rule, Yerima contested for the position of Governor of Zamfara State. He ran on the platform of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).

He won the election decisively. He was inaugurated as Governor on 29 May 1999. He became the first civilian governor of the newly created Zamfara State.

Implementation of Sharia Law (2000)

Yerima made history on 27 January 2000 when he became the first Nigerian state governor to implement comprehensive Sharia law. This decision had far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s political and religious landscape.

The implementation was greeted with enthusiasm by Zamfara’s Muslim majority. Thousands of people gathered on the streets of Gusau, the state capital. They cheered and shouted “Allahu Akbar” (God is great).

Sharia Implementation Bodies

Yerima established several bodies to oversee Sharia implementation in Zamfara:

Scope and Limitations

Zamfara’s Sharia law was adopted in its entirety with some exceptions:

However, some changes affected all citizens:

Legal Challenges

The introduction of Sharia in Zamfara was challenged in the courts. Huri-Laws, a Nigerian human rights NGO, filed a case. A Christian citizen from the state also challenged the law.

The Zamfara State High Court dismissed both cases. The court ruled that the statute did not infringe upon the rights of either claimant.

Following Yerima’s implementation, over a dozen northern Nigerian states adopted Sharia law. This transformed Nigeria’s legal landscape.

Re-election and Second Term (2003-2007)

In 2003, Yerima contested for re-election as Governor of Zamfara State. He won decisively on the ANPP platform. His second term ended on 29 May 2007.

During his eight years as governor, Yerima focused on:

Presidential Ambition (2007)

In 2007, Yerima put his name forward for the ANPP presidential ticket. He won backing from the Christian Alliance, demonstrating some level of cross-religious support.

However, he withdrew from the contest at the party’s 2007 national convention. He chose to back former Head of State Muhammadu Buhari as the ANPP candidate.

Career Milestones and Achievements

Year	Position/Achievement	Organisation/Context
1982	Graduated with B.Sc in Economics	Bayero University, Kano
1987	Obtained M.Sc in Economics	Bayero University, Kano
1983-1987	Economic Planning Officer	Sokoto State Ministry of Finance
1988-1990	Staff	National Directorate of Employment
1990-1993	Staff	Central Bank of Nigeria
1994-1996	Director of Budget	Sokoto State Ministry of Finance
1996-1998	Director-General/Permanent Secretary	Zamfara State Lands and Housing
1999-2007	Governor of Zamfara State (Two terms)	All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP)
27 Jan 2000	Implemented Sharia Law in Zamfara	First Nigerian State to do so
2007-2011	Senator, Zamfara West	Nigerian Senate (ANPP)
2011-2015	Re-elected Senator, Zamfara West	Nigerian Senate (ANPP)
2015-2019	Re-elected Senator, Zamfara West	Nigerian Senate (APC)
2007-2019	Deputy Minority Leader	Nigerian Senate

Senate Career (2007-2019)

First Senate Term (2007-2011)

In April 2007, Yerima was elected Senator representing Zamfara West constituency. He ran on the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) platform. He was appointed Deputy Minority Leader in the Senate.

He served on several important Senate committees:

Second Senate Term (2011-2015)

Yerima ran again in the 9 April 2011 elections for Senator for Zamfara West. He remained on the ANPP platform. He was re-elected with 154,359 votes, demonstrating his continued popularity in his constituency.

Third Senate Term (2015-2019)

In 2015, following the merger that created the All Progressives Congress (APC), Yerima joined the new party. He contested the Zamfara West senatorial seat on the APC platform. He won his third consecutive term.

His Senate career ended in 2019 when he was replaced by Lawali Hassan Anka.

Controversies and Legal Issues

The Child Marriage Controversy (2010)

In 2010, Yerima became embroiled in one of the most publicised controversies of his career. He was accused of marrying a 13-year-old Egyptian girl.

The Marriage Details

According to reports and a complaint filed by the Nigerian Human Rights Commission in April 2010:

Legal Investigation

Senator Yerima was investigated for allegedly violating Nigeria’s Child Rights Act of 2003. Human rights groups called for his immediate arrest.

However, the investigation was dropped. Under Article 61 Second Schedule of the Nigerian Constitution, the Nigerian Government has no power to legislate on “marriages under Islamic law and Customary law including matrimonial causes relating thereto.”

This meant that Senator Yerima had no legal case to answer under Nigerian law.

Yerima’s Defence

Yerima defended his actions vigorously. He cited religious grounds:

“History tells us that Prophet Muhammad did marry a young girl as well. Therefore I have not contravened any law.”

He told the BBC’s Hausa language radio service: “As a Muslim, as I always say, I consider God’s law and that of his prophet above any other law. I will not respect any law that contradicts that and whoever wants to sanction me for that is free to do that.”

In a 2023 interview on Channels TV, Yerima maintained his position. He stated that many of his own daughters were married at similar ages. He claimed they were all graduates, with one pursuing a PhD in London.

He also claimed his Egyptian wife was not 13 but 15 when he married her. However, he refused to provide her exact age, citing privacy concerns.

Arrest for Inciting Comments (2013)

Senator Yerima was arrested on 9 March 2013 after taking part in a live Hausa radio programme. The programme was broadcast by the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria.

The Kaduna State Police Commissioner arrested the Senator immediately after the programme. He was detained for making allegedly ‘inciting’ comments.

Yerima was released three hours later after questioning. The specific nature of the comments that led to his arrest was not widely publicised.

EFCC Corruption Allegations

Yerima was indicted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for corruption-related issues during his time as governor. The case was filed in court as “FRN vs Sen. Ahmed Sani Yerima.”

Details of the specific allegations and the outcome of the case have not been widely reported.

Personal Life: Family and Children

Ahmad Sani Yerima is known to be married with multiple children. However, he maintains significant privacy regarding his family life.

Children

Yerima has confirmed that he has several daughters. He stated in a 2023 interview that many of them married at young ages. According to him, all his daughters are graduates. One daughter who married at 16 is reportedly pursuing a PhD in London.

He also has at least one son in politics. Hon. Ahmad Sani Muhammad is currently serving his first term. He represents Bakura/Maradun Federal Constituency in the 10th House of Representatives. He serves under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The fact that his son followed him into politics suggests a family tradition of public service.

Wives

Yerima is known to have multiple wives, as permitted under Islamic law. His fourth marriage to the Egyptian girl in 2010 drew international attention and criticism.

Yerima has stated that his Egyptian wife completed her Master’s degree. This was part of his defence against critics who argued that early marriage prevents education.

Political Philosophy and Religious Views

Ahmad Sani Yerima’s political career has been fundamentally shaped by his religious convictions. His philosophy centres on the implementation of Islamic governance principles within the framework of the Nigerian state.

Commitment to Sharia Law

Yerima believes that Sharia law provides the most comprehensive system of governance for Muslim-majority regions. He has consistently argued that implementing Sharia is both a religious obligation and a practical solution to moral and social problems.

His statement on Sharia reflects this conviction: “As a Muslim, I consider God’s law and that of his prophet above any other law. I will not respect any law that contradicts that.”

Views on Marriage and Age

Yerima has been unwavering in his position on marriage age. He argues that:

He stated: “It’s not about being 18 or 20 years old. There is nothing about the age of the person. Definition of a girl that is aged is clearly stipulated under Sharia law.”

Multi-Faith Nigeria

Despite his strong Islamic convictions, Yerima has maintained that he supports Nigeria as a multi-faith society. As governor, he ensured that non-Muslims in Zamfara could choose civil law rather than Sharia law in legal proceedings.

He won backing from the Christian Alliance during his 2007 presidential bid. This suggested some level of cross-religious appeal.

Net Worth and Assets

Ahmad Sani Yerima’s net worth has not been publicly disclosed. However, based on his career trajectory, he is believed to have accumulated considerable wealth:

Various online sources estimate his net worth has been growing significantly. However, no verified figure is available.

As a former governor and long-serving senator, Yerima would have received substantial salaries, allowances, and pension benefits. Nigerian senators and governors are among the highest-paid public officials in Africa.

Legacy and Impact on Nigerian Politics

Ahmad Sani Yerima’s legacy in Nigerian politics is complex and deeply contested.

The Sharia Pioneer

His most significant political achievement was implementing Sharia law in Zamfara State. This decision transformed Nigeria’s political and religious landscape. Following his lead, over a dozen northern states adopted similar systems.

Supporters argue that he courageously implemented Islamic law despite potential backlash. Critics contend that Sharia implementation has exacerbated religious tensions in Nigeria.

Political Influence in Zamfara

Yerima served as governor for eight years and senator for twelve years. This represents significant political longevity. His son’s current position in the House of Representatives suggests the family maintains political influence in Zamfara.

Controversy and International Attention

The child marriage controversy brought international attention to Nigeria. It sparked debates about:

Human rights organisations continue to cite Yerima’s case when discussing child marriage in Nigeria.

Divided Opinion

Public opinion on Yerima remains sharply divided:

Supporters view him as:

Critics regard him as:

Conclusion

Ahmad Sani Yerima’s biography represents one of the most controversial yet significant political careers in modern Nigerian history.

From his beginnings as an economics graduate in Kano to his role as the first Nigerian governor to implement Sharia law, his career has been defined by his unwavering commitment to Islamic principles. His eight years as Zamfara State Governor and twelve years as Senator gave him considerable influence over northern Nigerian politics.

However, his legacy remains deeply contested. Whilst supporters praise his religious conviction and political courage, critics point to the child marriage controversy and corruption allegations. His case highlights the ongoing tensions in Nigeria between religious law and civil law, between traditional practices and modern human rights standards.

As of 2025, at 65 years old, Yerima continues to be a polarising figure in Nigerian public discourse. His political career may have ended, but the debates his actions sparked about Sharia law, child marriage, and religious authority in a multi-faith democracy continue.

Whether viewed as a principled religious leader or a controversial figure who placed religious interpretation above national law, Ahmad Sani Yerima’s impact on Nigerian politics, particularly in the northern region, cannot be denied.

FAQs About Ahmad Sani Yerima Biography

Q1: How old is Ahmad Sani Yerima?
Ahmad Sani Yerima was born on 22 July 1960, making him 65 years old as of 2025.

Q2: What is Ahmad Sani Yerima’s educational background?
He holds a B.Sc in Economics (1982) and an M.Sc in Economics (1987), both from Bayero University, Kano.

Q3: When was Ahmad Sani Yerima Governor of Zamfara State?
He served as Governor of Zamfara State from May 1999 to May 2007, completing two terms.

Q4: What is Ahmad Sani Yerima best known for?
He is best known for being the first Nigerian state governor to implement comprehensive Sharia law, which came into effect in Zamfara State on 27 January 2000.

Q5: How long did Ahmad Sani Yerima serve in the Senate?
He served as Senator for Zamfara West from 2007 to 2019, representing three consecutive terms.

Q6: What controversy is Ahmad Sani Yerima associated with?
He is most controversially known for marrying a 13-year-old (or 15-year-old, according to him) Egyptian girl in 2010, which sparked international outrage and debates about child marriage and religious law.

Q7: What is Ahmad Sani Yerima’s net worth?
His exact net worth has not been publicly disclosed, but he is believed to have accumulated considerable wealth from his years in public office.

Q8: Does Ahmad Sani Yerima have children?
Yes, he has multiple children, including several daughters and at least one son, Hon. Ahmad Sani Muhammad, who currently serves in the House of Representatives.

Q9: What political party does Ahmad Sani Yerima belong to?
He is currently a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He previously belonged to the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).

Q10: Is Ahmad Sani Yerima still in politics?
His Senate term ended in 2019. As of 2025, he is not holding any public office, though he remains an influential figure in Zamfara State politics.