In a rare sentencing involving an Imam, the Nigerian Shariah court has sentenced a Sufi Islamic cleric to death over blasphemy against the Prophet Muhammad.
The higher Shariah court convicted Sheikh Abduljabbar Nasiru Kabara for what was described as an extreme preaching.
Presiding Judge Abdullahi Sarki Yola established that Kabara was guilty of blasphemy. The Sufi scholar had been in detention since his arrest in July 2021.
“This court has established all the charges brought against you and hereby sentences you to death in accordance with Shariah provision on blasphemy,” said Yola while pronouncing judgement.
The judge also ordered that the two mosques and personal library belonging to Kabara be seized by the government.
Kabara had found himself on the wrong side of the law after his opponents had indicted him of insulting the prophet and his companions.
Following the ruling, Kabara maintained that he was not guilty and that the judge had twisted some of his statements. He added that he would be dying a hero and was never afraid of death.
