The Kano Shura Council, a council of Islamic elders, has summoned renowned Islamic scholar Sheikh Lawan AbuBakr (popularly known as Triumph) to respond to petitions accusing him of making blasphemous remarks about Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
The council, an advisory body on Islamic jurisprudence established by the Kano State Government, has also invited the petitioners to present evidence supporting their allegations.
Speaking with Journalists, after the council’s inaugural sitting, its secretary, Shehu Wada Sagagi, confirmed that eight petitions and counter-petitions had been received from various Islamic and civil society groups.
Sagagi, who also doubled as the commissioner for trade and investment, disclosed that the petitioners accused the cleric of demeaning the Prophet Mohammed, an offence which carries capital punishment in Islam.
“The petitions were filed by groups including Safiyatul Islam of Nigeria, Tijjaniya Youth Enlightenment Forum, Interfaith Parties for Peace and Development, Sairul Qalbi Foundation, Habbullah Mateen Foundation, Qadiriyya Juma’at Mosque Imams, Committee of Sunnah Preachers (Kano), and Multaqa Ahbab Alsufiyya.
“We have reviewed the petitions and resolved to invite both the petitioners and Sheikh AbuBakr.
“We want the petitioners would first elaborate on their claims, after which the scholar will be given the opportunity to respond,” Sagagi stated.
“The council will then evaluate the matter strictly in line with Islamic jurisprudence and advise the state government accordingly.”
He urged all parties to avoid actions that could heighten tensions or threaten public peace, stressing that the council would operate within its jurisdiction and focus on reconciliation, he stated.
Sagagi further stated that the council is handling and doing everything to ensure that the issue does not degenerate into what can cause a breakdown of law and order in the state, based on the fact that Kano is the only state in the Northwest that is peaceful, at the moment.
