Cleric petitions CJN death sentence, alleging misconduct and interference in his appeal after a 2022 Kano court ruling

Detained Islamic cleric Abduljabbar Kabara, currently held at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje, Abuja, on Thursday, March 26, 2026, petitioned the Chief Justice of Nigeria over what he described as judicial misconduct, political persecution and delays in hearing his appeal against a death sentence imposed in 2022 by an Upper Sharia Court in Kano.

In a letter titled “Letter of Further Complaint,” Kabara urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria to intervene and ensure that his appeal is heard without interference.

Also read: Obasa Holds Prayer Session in Honour of Tinubu at 74

He alleged that previous complaints sent to the President of the Court of Appeal had gone unanswered, leaving his case stalled despite formal steps taken shortly after his conviction.

Kabara was sentenced to death by hanging in December 2022 after being found guilty of making blasphemous statements during sermons.

Following the judgment, he filed an appeal, arguing that he was denied a fair hearing and that his legal team was not given adequate opportunity to present his defence. He also questioned the jurisdiction of the trial court and insisted that the statements in question were scholarly references rather than offensive remarks.

In his latest petition, the cleric claimed that the appeal process has been deliberately hindered. He further alleged that state authorities exerted undue influence over the proceedings, describing the situation as a coordinated effort involving both judicial and governmental actors.

According to him, such actions have undermined the integrity of the legal process and violated his fundamental rights.

Kabara stated that he filed his notice of appeal within days of the original judgment and subsequently submitted his brief of argument, but maintained that the case has not progressed as expected.

He called on the Chief Justice to exercise supervisory authority over the judiciary and ensure that the appeal is heard either in Kano or at another division of the Court of Appeal without obstruction.

The cleric also raised broader concerns about alleged inconsistencies in the handling of his case, including claims of altered charges during the trial and attempts by certain legal representatives to compromise his defence.

He further argued that the full court record, which he estimated runs into thousands of pages, would demonstrate what he described as procedural irregularities.

Kabara maintained that his conviction was politically motivated and inconsistent with constitutional protections, including provisions relating to freedom of religion.

Also read: Police Rescue Cleric Confined by Youths in Gombe

He expressed confidence that a transparent review of the case would ultimately clear him of wrongdoing, describing the Chief Justice’s office as his final hope for justice.

The petition adds a new dimension to a case that has continued to attract public attention, raising questions around due process, judicial independence and the pace of appellate review in high-profile criminal matters.