Audio By Carbonatix
A Sharia court in the northern Nigerian state of Kano has sentenced a prominent Islamic cleric to death by hanging, after finding him guilty of blasphemy against the Prophet Muhammad as well as incitement in some of his preaching, although he denies the charges.
Sheikh Abduljabar Nasir Kabara has been detained by the authorities since July last year after being accused of spreading lies against the Prophet - charges which he denied.
The trial is being closely followed by Nigerians. Kano is among a dozen states in northern Nigeria where Sharia is practised alongside the country’s secular law.
The 52-year-old scholar is from the Qadiriyya sect. He has a sizeable number of followers mainly in Kano state.
His father was the leader of the sect in West Africa until his death in 1996.
Sheikh Abduljabar has the right to appeal against the judgement.
Death sentences in Nigeria are rarely carried out. Instead, convicted people are usually kept in prisons indefinitely.
Latest Stories
-
England are tough, but we can play against Ghana, Panama – Croatia coach reacts to World Cup draw
2 hours -
We can beat anyone – Otto Addo reacts to World Cup draw
2 hours -
GPL 2025/26: Mensah brace fires All Blacks to victory over Eleven Wonders
4 hours -
This Saturday on Newsfile: Petitions against the OSP, EC heads, and 2025 WASSCE results
4 hours -
Ambassador urges U.S. investors to prioritise land verification as Ghana courts more investment
5 hours -
Europe faces an expanding corruption crisis
5 hours -
Ghana’s Dr Bernard Appiah appointed to WHO Technical Advisory Group on alcohol and drug epidemiology
5 hours -
2026 World Cup: Ghana drawn against England, Croatia and Panama in Group L
5 hours -
3 dead, 6 injured in Kpando–Aziave road crash
5 hours -
Lightwave eHealth accuses Health Ministry of ‘fault-finding’ and engaging competitor to audit its work
5 hours -
Ayewa Festival ignites Farmers Day with culture, flavour, and a promise of bigger things ahead
6 hours -
Government to deploy 60,000 surveillance cameras nationwide to tackle cybercrime
6 hours -
Ghana DJ Awards begins 365-day countdown to 2026 event
6 hours -
Making Private University Charters Optional in Ghana: Implications and Opportunities
6 hours -
Mampong tragedy: Students among 30 injured as curve crash kills three
6 hours