Court Begins Hearing Of Sheikh Abduljabbar’s Appeal Against Death Sentence
The Appeal Division of the Kano State High Court has initiated proceedings for the appeal filed by Sheikh Abduljabbar Nasiru Kabara, contesting the death sentence pronounced on him by Justice Ibrahim Sarki Yola of the Upper Shari’ah Court.
Sheikh Abduljabbar Nasiru Kabara, a controversial Islamic cleric, was sentenced to death by hanging on December 15, 2022, by an Upper Sharia Court in Kano. The cleric had been arrested and detained by the state government over alleged blasphemous remarks against Prophet Muhammad, deemed capable of inciting public disorder.
Charged on July 16, 2021, by the Kano State government before Justice Sarki Yola, Abduljabbar’s case has now reached the appeal stage, with his legal team led by Barrister Sadik Yusuf expressing readiness to proceed with the hearing.
However, the Kano State government, represented by Barrister Bashir Saleh, requested an adjournment to a later date, prompting frustration from Abduljabbar’s legal team. In response, they urged the court to impose a N20 million cost on the respondents for what they perceived as a delay tactic.
The respondents countered, stating they were served with the court documents in March, contrary to the appellant’s claim of February. Following arguments from both sides, the court rejected the cost application and set May 9, 2024, as the next hearing date.
The ongoing legal battle underscores the contentious nature of blasphemy cases in Nigeria and the complexities involved in addressing issues related to religious expression and public order. As the appeal progresses, it remains to be seen how the court will adjudicate on this high-profile case, which has sparked debate and controversy nationwide.
