Kano Islamic cleric sentenced to death for blasphemy

An Islamic cleric, Abduljabbar Nasiru-Kabara has been sentenced to death by hanging by a Kano Upper Shari’a court for blasphemy.

Abduljabbar was dragged to court by Kano state government over blasphemous comments he reportedly made against Prophet Muhammad. The plaintiff told the court that the convict committed the offence on August 10, October 25, and December 20, 2019.

Ibrahim Sarki Yola, the presiding judge who delivered the judgement on Thursday, December 15, said;

“I am convinced that the prosecution counsel has done their part and proven their points beyond a reasonable doubt.”

Before sentencing Abduljabbar, the judge asked if he had anything to say. His lawyer, Aminu Abubakar, instead, asked the court to be lenient, while claiming that Abduljabbar acted out of ignorance, however, the cleric interjected and denied knowing him (lawyer).

Abduljabbar said;

“I don’t know him. This is the first time I am seeing him. He should not be allowed to speak on my behalf. I can and should be allowed to speak for myself.

“My lord, after I heard how you twisted all my evidence, you turned around all my submissions upside down, you have assigned words to me that I have never uttered.

“Deliver your judgement, and I am not asking for leniency at all. I want all my followers to know that I will die a hero and I don’t want you (the Judge) Ibrahim Sarki Yola to do me any favour or grant me leniency. This is my last word. Assalamu Alaikum.”