A cleric, Abduljabbar Nasiru-Kabara, has been found guilty of blasphemy by a Kano Upper Shari’a court.
He was charged over alleged blasphemous comments against Prophet Muhammad.
The charges were brought against him by the government of Kano State.
According to prosecution counsel, Suraj Sa’eda, the defendant committed the offence on August 10, October 25 and December 20, 2019.
The presiding kadi (judge), Ibrahim Sarki Yola, while delivering judgment on Thursday said, “I am convinced that the prosecution counsel has done their part and proven their points beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Prior to the pronouncement of the sentence, the judge asked if the convict had any last words. Afterwards, Aminu Abubakar, who presented himself as the defence counsel, appealed for leniency from the court for the accused, noting that his action was informed by ignorance.
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However, the cleric interjected and denied knowing the lawyer.
“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.
Speaking further, Abduljabbar said: “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.”
Thereafter, the convict was sentenced to death by hanging.
Source: Cable
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