Banned cleric sues Kano govt over ‘unlawful detention’

Abduljabar Nasir Kabara, the cleric banned over alleged inciteful preaching in Kano, has instituted a lawsuit to challenge his “unlawful detention” by the state government.

An order banning Kabara’s religious activities was issued on February 4 by the Kano government, over allegations describing the cleric’s mode of teaching as “incendiary”.

On February 7, the state government approved a debate between the banned cleric and other Islamic scholars, to give room for dialogue among the parties involved.

In a notice filed before a federal high court in Kano on Wednesday, Kabara said the actions of the state government constituted a breach of his fundamental human right to life, conscience and religion.

Kabara is seeking an order of perpetual injunction restraining the state governor, the commissioner of police in Kano, and other security agencies from oppressing, harassing and imposing any inhibition on him henceforth.

Speaking with journalists after filing the suit, Shuaib Kabir, the lawyer representing Kabara, accused the state government of prosecuting his client without fair hearing.

“His continued detention and occupation of his residence by state agents are a clear breach of his fundamental right,” the lawyer said.

“The action of the government is being challenged on the ground that sheik Kabara is a Nigerian citizen and entitled to enjoy fundamental rights as guaranteed by the constitution.

“My client (Kabara) was barred and restricted from his fundamental human right before the government deemed it necessary to take the action to court.”

Kabir prayed the court to stop any act of intimidation, harassment, threat of arrest against his client, describing it as “unlawful”.

Lewis Allagoa, the judge, directed the plaintiff to ensure all parties are duly served.

He adjourned hearing on the matter till February 18, 2021.