A Kano-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Abduljabbar Nasiru Kabara, has been convicted for blasphemy.
The cleric was sentenced to death by hanging Thursday by a Kano Upper Shari’a Court sitting at Kofar Kudu, Kano State, and presided by Mallam Ibrahim Sarki Yola.
Reading his verdict, Sarki Yola said, “I am convinced that the prosecution counsel has done their part and proven their points beyond a reasonable doubt.”
The judge convicted the cleric of all the charges levelled against him.
Sheikh Abduljabbar was standing trial on the issue bordering on alleged blasphemous statements against the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), an act capable of inciting public peace.
He was charged in July 2021 by the Kano State government.
When he was asked if he had anything to tell the court, Barrister Aminu Ado Abubakar, who stood as the defense counsel, prayed to the court to accord leniency to the accused person for he did what he did out of ignorance.
However, Sheikh Abduljabbar stood up stating that he did not know the lawyer and that it was the first time he was seeing him.
“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,” he said.
The judge, however, said the lawyer is recognised by the court as the defence counsel.
Sheikh Abduljabbar said, “My lord, after I heard how you twisted all my evidence, you turned 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.”
