Drama in Kano court as judge sentences Islamic cleric to death for blasphemy
There was drama on Thursday when a Kano Upper Shari’a court convicted a cleric Abduljabbar Nasiru-Kabara, for blasphemy.
Nasiru-Kabara was charged by the Kano state government over alleged blasphemous comments against Prophet Muhammad.
Suraj Sa’eda, the prosecution counsel, said the defendant committed the offence on August 10, October 25, and December 20, 2019.
The main drama ensued when Ibrahim Sarki Yola, the presiding kadi(judge) was delivering judgment on Thursday.
“I am convinced that the prosecution counsel has done their part and proven their points beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Before pronouncing the sentence, the kadi asked if the convict had anything to say.
Answering the question, Aminu Abubakar, who appeared as the defence counsel, asked the court to be lenient with the accused, adding that he acted out of ignorance.
However, the cleric interjected and slammed the lawyer, denying knowing 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.
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.”
The convict was thereafter sentenced to death by hanging.
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