Ganduje speaks on Islamic cleric sued for ‘blasphemy, incitement’

Abdullahi Ganduje, governor of Kano state, says his administration will monitor the blasphemy case against Abduljabbar Nasiru-Kabara, an Islamic cleric.

Ganduje announced the state government’s position when he paid a visit to Khalifa Qaribullahi Nasiru-Kabara, leader of the Qadiriyya Movement in Kano.

Abduljabbar, a factional leader of the Qadiriyya sect in Kano, is known for controversial religious commentaries.

On February 4, the Kano state government banned him for alleged inciteful preaching and ordered the immediate closure of all schools run by the cleric, pending investigations by security agencies.

The state government also approved a debate between the banned cleric and other Islamic scholars.

A few days later, Abduljabbar instituted a lawsuit to challenge his “unlawful detention” by the state government, adding that it is a breach of his fundamental human right to life, conscience and religion.

Earlier in July, the state government charged Abduljabbar to an Upper Sharia Court over allegations of blasphemy, incitement, and sundry offences, however, the court adjourned the case to July 28.

Commenting on the case, Ganduje said: “We are very grateful that we are following the right steps on the situation.

“And the state government will continue to monitor the situation very well, up to its logical conclusion.”

The governor commended the cleric Khalifa Qaribullahi and other scholars for the role they played during the debate.

“We are commending you for the role you played; it is indeed amazing that Islamic scholars did well during the debate. They displayed genuine Islamic knowledge,” Ganduje added.

In his remarks, the Qadiriyya Movement leader commended Ganduje for the role he played in protecting the dignity of the Prophet Muhammad.