Transfer of Kano controversial cleric normal routine, says NCoS

The Kano State command of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has said that the transfer of controversial cleric facing a death sentence, Sheikh Abduljabbar Nasiru Kabara, to one of the designated custodial centres under federal jurisdiction is a normal routine. Local radio stations in Kano had reported that the cleric was transferred to the Kuje […]

The Kano State command of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has said that the transfer of controversial cleric facing a death sentence, Sheikh Abduljabbar Nasiru Kabara, to one of the designated custodial centres under federal jurisdiction is a normal routine.

Local radio stations in Kano had reported that the cleric was transferred to the Kuje custodial centre in Abuja.

But the Service said his transfer is a standard administrative procedure carried out in accordance with the Service’s statutory responsibilities and operational guidelines.

CSC Musbahu Lawan Nassarawa, the Public Relations Officer of the Command, in a statement, said removal or transfer of an inmate to a custodial centre of a different security category from that in which he or she was previously confined is part of the Nigerian Correctional Service’s constitutional mandate as outlined in the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019.

The statement was, however, silent on whether he was transferred to Kuje.

The transfer of the inmate, the statement said, is for effective management of inmates across custodial facilities nationwide.

“These decisions are made based on several factors, including security, inmate classification, facility availability and rehabilitation needs.

“The public is hereby assured that the welfare and legal entitlements of Malam Abduljabbar remain fully protected under the law.

“The transfer does not in any way affect his legal status, rights of appeal, or access to his legal representation,” the statement said.

 

Abduljabbar was accused of blasphemy, prompting the state government to officially organise a public debate between him and a coalition of Islamic clerics on Saturday, July 10, 2021.

 

He was subsequently tried by an Upper Shariah court and was sentenced to death by hanging for blasphemy on December 15, 2022.