A higher sharia court in Kano state, Nigeria on Tuesday sentenced Abdulaziz Dauda, popularly known as Inyass, to death by hanging after he was convicted of blaspheming Prophet Mohammed.
Inyass was arrested on August 18, 2015 in Abuja and brought to Kano to face trial on a two-count charge of blasphemy and inciting crisis.
Hundreds of Muslim youths had burnt the sharia court located at Rijiyar Lemo area of Kano in protest against the “blasphemous comments” allegedly made by Inyass, a leader of the Tijjaniyya sect.
He reportedly committed the offense at the Maulud festivity on June 31, 2015. Counsel to the state government, Lamido Abba Soron Dinki, said five witnesses, including the police, testified before the court.
Dauda’s counsel, who concealed his identity, refused to comment on the judgment. Nine suspected accomplices were sentenced to death by the same court which delayed further judgement against Inyass.
He was at large at the time of the initial trial.They all have the right to appeal against the death sentence.
The trial was conducted in camera.
