Shiites demand release of Muslim cleric sentenced to death for blasphemy
by ebor cletus ralph jr
The Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as the Shiite Movement, has demanded the immediate release of Sheikh Abduljabbar Kabara, an Islamic cleric who was given the death penalty by a Kano Upper Sharia Court for allegedly insulting the Prophet Mohammed.
In a statement released by the IMN on Thursday, Sheikh Kabara was referred to as the victim of a conspiracy by some Islamic experts who disagree with him to stop him from disseminating his knowledge.
The movement also urged global human rights organisations to work to defend the Sheikh’s fundamental rights.
A statement issued by the spokesman of the Academic Forum of IMN, Halima Aliyu, said the group had already written a petition to the National Human Rights Commission, European Union, Legal Aid Council, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Monitor, demanding the unconditional release of the cleric.
“We write to draw your attention to a questionable court judgment sentencing Sheikh Abduljabbar Kabara, Kano, to death by hanging; and to seek the intervention of all people of conscience for the unconditional release of the cleric,” part of the petition reads.
“Sheikh Abduljabbar is a prominent cleric and son of Sheikh Nasuru Kabara Kano. Sheikh Kabara’s family is well-known not only in Nigeria and Africa but also around the world.
“Moreover, audio and video clips available in the public domain prove that the aforementioned scholars, who share different views with Sheikh Abduljabar, ganged up against him to stop him from propagating his knowledge.”
The movement further claimed that the scholars worked to frame up baseless allegations against the cleric, and the Kano State Government used the allegations to frame up blasphemy charges against him.
“Sheikh Abduljabbar is known by the public for propagating love of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW), but funny enough, Judge Ibrahim Yola convicted the Sheikh of blasphemy against the Prophet.
“We believe that the allegations and charges filed against Sheikh Abduljabbar are baseless, and the court ruling delivered against him is politically-motivated.”
