A TENTH state in northern Nigeria has adopted strict Islamic law, or Sharia, banning the sale of alcohol and introducing severe punishments for a range of crimes, officials of the northern state of Bauchi said. Officials said the new legal code would apply only to Muslims and be used to try cases of alcohol use, theft, gambling and prostitution and would take effect from March 31. Nine other northern states have introduced or declared plans to bring in Sharia law since Nigeria returned to civilian rule in May 1999, despite opposition by Christians, rights bodies and the Nigerian government. – AFP