—— warns against politicising prophet’s honour, demands clarification from government
By Bashir Hassan Abubakar
The Coalition of Ahlussunnah Wal-Jama’ah in Kano State has condemned comments made by the state’s Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, suggesting that the conviction of controversial cleric Abduljabbar Sheikh Nasiru Kabara for blasphemy was politically motivated.
Addressing a press conference at Markaz Imamul Bukhari, Rijiyar Zaki, the group, led by Prof. Muhammad Muslim Ibrahim, described the Deputy Governor’s remarks—made during a Maulud ceremony at Turasul Islam Jumu’ah Mosque, Gwauron Dutse on Sunday—as “deeply troubling and capable of inciting suspicion among the populace.”
The coalition warned that such statements risk undermining the painstaking efforts of scholars, judges and the Kano Shariah Court in defending the honour of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
“These comments cast aspersions on the integrity of the judiciary and its presiding judge, and could fuel dangerous narratives about government’s motives,” Prof. Ibrahim stated.
The group expressed concern that the Deputy Governor’s words might create the impression that the state government is secretly working to free Abduljabbar or to implicate other scholars such as Sheikh Lawan Abubakar Shu’aibu.
Reaffirming its stance, the coalition insisted that Abduljabbar’s conviction was “lawful, transparent and rooted in justice.”
“Abduljabbar openly made blasphemous statements and was given every opportunity for a fair defence before scholars from across Kano,” the statement said. “He enjoyed full legal representation and a fair hearing before the Shariah Court.”
The coalition urged the Kano State Government to clarify its position unequivocally.
“If there is any intention to release Abduljabbar without scholarly or legal justification, the government must come out publicly and be transparent with the people who entrusted it with leadership,” Prof. Ibrahim declared.
The group concluded by calling on all stakeholders to protect the sanctity of religion, respect the judiciary and avoid actions that could endanger public peace.
“Leadership must not be used to cast doubt on justice or to erode the honour of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him),” the coalition warned.