The Kano higher sharia court on Tuesday sentenced Abdulaziz Dauda, popularly known as Inyass, to death by hanging after he was convicted of blaspheming Prophet Mohammed.
The trial was conducted in camera.
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” allegedy made by Inyass, a leader of the Tijjaniyya sect.
He reportedly committed the offence 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.
