An Islamic
court has sentenced a Nigerian cleric to death by hanging for insulting the
Prophet Muhammad in the northern city of Kano. Abdulazeez Dauda, popularly
known as Abdul Inyass, was convicted after a trial held in secret to avoid
protests. Mr Inyass is a preacher at a local faction of the Tijaniya sect,
founded in Senegal by Sheikh Ibrahim Niasse was reported to have said that
"Niasse was bigger than Prophet Muhammad" during a lecture at an
event in May, leading to violent protests in the city. He then fled to the
capital, Abuja, and nine of his followers were arrested for their alleged part
in organising the event. When they were arraigned in court, there were further
clashes and the courthouse was set on fire. Four of the followers were then acquitted
and the five sentenced to death are appealing against their conviction at the
state's high court. Mr Inyass, whose five-month trial was held in secret for
security reasons, will also be able to appeal against the verdict at a the high
court.Kano has a predominately Muslim population and Islamic courts operate
alongside secular courts.
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