Kano bans Islamic cleric for ‘inciteful messages’

The Kano state government has banned Abduljabar Nasir-Kabara, an Islamic cleric, for alleged inciteful preaching.

Nasir-Kabara, said to be a factional leader of the Qadiriyya sect in Kano, is reportedly known for controversial religious commentaries.

He has also been accused of “uncompromising stance” against Sunni practices.

Muhammad Garba, the state commissioner for information, who announced the order in a statement on Thursday, said the government considered the cleric’s mode of teachings as “incendiary”.

Garba also announced the immediate closure of all schools run by the cleric, pending investigations by security agencies.

He said the measure was part of the resolutions of the state executive council at its meeting on Wednesday to forestall breach of peace in the state.

“The council directed all broadcast stations and social media platforms to stop airing preaching, sermons and any other religious discussions likely to cause a breach of peace of the state,” he said.

The commissioner added that security agencies had been directed to ensure full compliance and take decisive action against erring persons or groups found flouting the order.