Group accuses Kano State Government of harassing Islamic Scholar

Gbolahan Salman Sokoto

An Islamic group in Sokoto has cautioned Kano State Government to desist from harrasing it’s leader, Sheikh Abduljabar  Kabara, over his way of preaching.

The group, Mujamma’u Ashabul Khafi Warraqeem, in a press statement signed and addressed by one of the executive member, Shareef Abdul-Basid Sidi, in Sokoto on Thursday says the debate between Abduljabar and Kano Ulama was skewed and manipulated.

According to him, “the manipulated outcome of the so-called debate, which was characterized with double standards, selective application of rules, deviation from the already agreed ground rules, particularly live coverage by accredited media houses and above all facilitated by a known mischievous enemy of Sheikh as the judge.

“Accordingly, the aftermath of the manipulated outcome of the debate prepared the grounds for excessive harassment of Sheikh Abduljabar with the view to shaping public opinion in favor of ruthless crackdown on the renowned Islamic Scholar and his followers by the Kano State Government and security agencies”

The group further disclosed that it has gathered that the Sheikh was intimidated by security agencies to making public statements against his wish and scholarly opinion.

“Given this disturbing and flagrant violation of the human rights of Sheikh Abduljabar, both as human being and as citizen of Nigeria”.

The group however beseech the Kano State Government to exercise restraint in what it describes as continued maltreatment and harassment of it’s leader.

While drawing the attention of the Federal Government of Nigeria to the case, the statement further called the attention of Kano State Government to the fact that it’s uncivil conduct damages the reputation of the state and the country at large.

It also called on all human rights based

groups and organizations within and outside the country to intervene for the purpose of safeguarding the fundamental right of the Sheikh and his followers.