The Kano Shura Council 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 after the council’s inaugural sitting, its secretary and Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Commerce, Shehu Wada Sagagi, confirmed that eight petitions and counter-petitions had been received from various Islamic and civil society groups accusing the cleric of demeaning the Prophet.
According to Sagagi, some of the allegations include claims that Sheikh AbuBakr said the Prophet had lice on his head and that he urinated while standing.
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. The petitioners will 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.
Blasphemy remains a sensitive issue in northern Nigeria. Under the federal Criminal Code, it is a misdemeanor punishable by up to two years in prison.
However, in states implementing Sharia criminal law, including Kano, blasphemy can carry the death penalty.
In 2020, a Kano Sharia Court sentenced singer Sharif Yahaya Aminu to death by hanging for alleged blasphemy.
Similarly, in 2022, an Upper Sharia Court convicted and sentenced Islamic cleric Abduljabbar Kabara to death on similar charges.
