Sokoto Killing: Police say blasphemy is crime; mob action lawlessness
The police have reiterated that blasphemy is a criminal act in Nigeria and that lynching is also a crime.
Religious crisis over blasphemy is rife in Africa’s most populous country, as is the public lynching of perceived blasphemers. Mob action is common among professed Muslims who take the law into their hands by lynching anyone believed to have insulted or spoken disparagingly about Prophet Muhammed or the Quran.
Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the spokesperson for the police, disclosed this in a tweet on Sunday, when a Twitter user, @kevinpagne, tagged him to the viral video of Usman Buda being brutally stoned to death by angry Islamic fanatics in Sokoto earlier in the day.
“Blasphemy, though an offence recognised by Nigerian law, is not subject to the whims of members of the public for enforcement,” Mr Adejobi said.
The police officer explained that “enforcement of all laws is by constituted authorities through a laid-down procedure in the criminal justice system for possible punishment, not by jungle justice. Not at all.”
Mr Adejobi added, “Sokoto command has been on it (Mr Buda’ killing). Let’s wait for their report and action. But I think we need to call on our clerics to carry out enlightenment on this issue.”
Peoples Gazette on Sunday reported how Islamic fanatics killed Mr Buda in the market at an abattoir in Sokoto.
Lynching alleged blasphemers is considered a righteous act by many professed Muslims in Nigeria.
Mr Buda’w murder came barely a year after Deborah Samuel, a Christian student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Wamako, Sokoto, was killed over a similar allegation of blasphemy by Islamic fanatics.
In May, The Gazette reported how Nigerian police charged Ms Samuel’s killers with “public disturbance” and failed to show up in court as prosecutors.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Borno LG enrols 119 out-of-school children
Dahiru Hamma, the council chairman, said the initiative was meant to complement Governor Babagana Zulum’s efforts to improve the education sector.
World
CNN, MS NOW, Politico to sue White House over Trump ban
Mr Trump last week banned journalists from CNN, Politico and MS NOW from covering him at the White House, citing unfavourable coverage of him and his administration.
Heading 5
Wike defends Rainbow Coalition, says Tinubu’s re-election remains major political priority
“My primary concern is whether Tinubu will be re-elected for a second term, and I am going to support Mr President with all my might and strength,” he said.
Politics
Edo Senatorial Ticket: Court to deliver judgment in ex-lawmaker’s suit against NDC November 26
Mr Agbonayinma filed the suit, challenging the NDC’s alleged unlawful substitution of his name with those of Osayuki Asemota and Sunday Aguebor.
Education
Afri-mission returns 178 vulnerable children to school
The group said some beneficiaries were displaced persons whose parents had lost their livelihoods, while others were children of widows who could not afford to send them to school.
Economy
CBN’s monetary policy committee likely to reduce lending rate by 50 basis points, says financial expert
Mr Uwaleke said reducing the MPR by 50 basis points will be justified by moderating inflation, exchange rate stability, and improved FX market liquidity.
