By Mahmoud
Prominent Kano-based Islamic cleric, Abduljabbar Kabara, has petitioned the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, alleging that judicial and government authorities systematically obstructed his right to appeal his death sentence.
In a 14-page “Letter of Further Complaint” received by the Supreme Court on 26 March, Mr Kabara described his conviction as an unjust, politically motivated attempt to silence him.
The cleric was sentenced to death by hanging in December 2022 by a Kano Upper Sharia Court following remarks deemed blasphemous against Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
In the petition, Mr Kabara claimed that his attempts to challenge the 2022 verdict have been “deliberately frustrated.”
Despite filing a notice of appeal shortly after the judgement and submitting additional motions in 2024, he alleged that the judiciary stalled the process and tampered with his filings.
The petitioner further accused certain appellate judges of altering dates and misrepresenting his submissions to favour the Kano state government.
Kabara added that the handling of his trial violates Section 38(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.
Responding to allegations, Baba Jibo, the spokesperson for the Kano judiciary, stated that the cleric’s claims are inconsistent with the facts.
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Jibo stated that Kabara was provided with ample opportunity to file his appeal within the legal timeframe.
The spokesperson said the cleric’s legal counsel met with him during his detention in Kano to ensure he was fully informed of every procedural step.
(Premium Times)
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