Human rights activist and presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Omoyele Sowore, has condemned the conviction of Kano-based Islamic cleric Sheikh Abduljabbar Nasiru Kabara, describing the proceedings that led to his death sentence as prejudiced and politically orchestrated. Sowore made the statement on Tuesday, after visiting the cleric at Kuje Correctional Centre alongside Barrister Hamza Nuhu Dantani.
Sowore explained that the visit was part of an effort to review the situation regarding Sheikh Abduljabbar’s trial and conviction on blasphemy charges delivered by a Kano court in 2022. He alleged that the entire judicial proceedings were pathetic and marred by betrayal and linked them to political manipulation under former Kano governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
According to him, “the entire process was pathetic, prejudiced, and marred by betrayal.” He added that “even some individuals close to him connived with political and clerical actors to ensure his conviction.”
Despite the seriousness of his situation, Sowore described the cleric as calm and determined. “We met a humble and exceptionally knowledgeable man who is unbowed and unbroken. He shared a powerful message with us, that he is protected by Allah and will uphold the teachings of Allah until the very end,” he said.
Sowore cautioned that injustice should never be normalized within any society. He warned that “no human being deserves injustice, no matter how popular that injustice may appear when fueled by manipulative political or religious forces.”
The activist confirmed that he had collected the cleric’s Court of Appeal documents and would study them with his legal team. He, however, affirmed that the issue goes beyond legal paperwork, and he said that what the nation needs is fairness and accountability.
“What must be done is justice, justice for Sheikh Abduljabbar, and justice against the weaponization of religion by corrupt politicians who fear knowledge, dialogue, and dissent,” he said.
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