Kano Cleric Abduljabbar Kabara Sentenced to Death for Blasphemy

Abduljabbar Kabara, a prominent Islamic cleric based in Kano, was sentenced to death by hanging in December 2022 by the Kano Upper Sharia Court for remarks deemed blasphemous against Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Kabara has described the conviction as unjust and politically motivated, asserting that it aims to silence him.

He filed a notice of appeal shortly after the judgment but alleges that the judiciary has obstructed his right to appeal through various means, including tampering with his petition and altering dates to misrepresent submissions favoring the Kano State government. Kabara's legal counsel has expressed concerns about the judicial process, claiming violations of Section 38(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.

Baba Jibo, a spokesperson for the Kano judiciary, countered Kabara's claims, stating that he was provided ample opportunity to file an appeal within the legal timeframe.