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
-
Teacher Unions press home demands for the new allowances
36 seconds -
Media’s failure to hold government accountable for ‘galamsey’ alarming – Mahama
8 mins -
Keta Presbytery urges Akufo-Addo to assent to anti-LGBTQ+ Bill
14 mins -
Ghanaian midfielder Lawrence Ofori nets maiden goal of the season with stunner against Vizela
21 mins -
Community fearful after off-duty policemen shot dead at East Trasacco
26 mins -
Dext Technology partners KNUST to train basic school teachers on STEM
46 mins -
My efforts led to remarkable transformation in Appiatse – Lands Minister
47 mins -
13th Ghana Information Technology and Telecom Awards launched
1 hour -
Comedy of electioneering campaign policy: NDC’s 24-hour economy tricks
1 hour -
We will remain vigilant in our oversight operations of all financial institutions – Governor
1 hour -
Ghana’s economic recovery has been strong and steady – Finance Minister
1 hour -
Government completes 50 premix fuel automation machines at landing sites – Fisheries Minister
1 hour -
FBNBank changes its name to FirstBank Ghana
1 hour -
Akwaboah Jnr ties the knot
2 hours -
Women’s FA Cup semis: Army Ladies face FC Epiphany; Police Ladies up against Supreme Ladies
3 hours