Blasphemy: Shari’ah Council urges Ganduje to execute judgement

The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) has called on the governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje to as a matter of urgency ensure the execution of the judgement of Upper Shari’ah Court Kano, which convicted an Islamic gospel singer, Yahaya Shariff Aminu accused of blasphemy against Prophet Muhammad (S. A. W.).

The council applauded the courage of Qadi Ali Kani of the Upper Shari’ah Court Kano for charging, trying and convicting  Aminu.

An upper Sharia court in the Hausawa Filin Hockey area of Kano State while delivering judgement on 10th August, 2020 said Aminu, 30, was guilty of committing blasphemy for a song he circulated via WhatsApp in March.

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SCSN in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Secretary General, Nafi’u Baba-Ahmed said the execution of the court judgement will serve as a deterrent to others.

He added, “The council commends the courage of Qadi Ali Kani of the Upper Shari’ah Court Gyadi-Gyadi Kano in the case of C. O. P. vs Shariff Yahaya Shariff No. CR/43/2020 decided on 10th August, 2020 where the accused person was charged, tried and convicted for the offence of blasphemy against the Prophet Muhammad (S. A. W.).

“The calls by some so-called human rights groups to pardon the culprit should not deter the state government from doing the right thing as this case is purely an Islamic affair and in consonance with the religion, culture and wishes of not only the people of Kano, but the majority population of Nigeria who are Muslims.”

“The council reminded Nigerian’s especially the secular human rights group that the judgement is in line with the Supreme Court judgement in the case of Abubakar Shalla vs State (2007) 12 MJSC at page 52 to 53 paragraph G-B, which says ‘that the position of the Law under Shari’ah is that any sane and adult Muslim, who insults, defames, or utters words or acts which are capable of bringing into disrepute, odium, contempt of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), such a person has committed a serious crime which is punishable by death.’

“We therefore call on Muslims to be mindful of their utterances as the Prophet (SAW) said, ‘Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Say should say what is right or keep silent.”

The Islamic gospel musician had gone into hiding after he composed the song.

Protesters had burnt down his family home and gathered outside the headquarters of the Islamic police, known as the Hisbah, demanding action against him.

Also critics said the song was blasphemous as it praised an imam from the Tijaniya Muslim brotherhood to the extent it elevated him above Prophet Muhammad.