Blasphemy: Kano Govt to Appeal Judgment in Favour of Sheikh 

Nyass, Five Others
Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano
The Kano State Government on Tuesday expressed shock and disgust over the ruling of the Court of Appeal, Kaduna, declaring Abdul Nyass and five others not guilty of blasphemy against Prophet Muhammad.
The state government promised that it had concluded plans to appeal the judgment.

Sheikh Abdul Nyass and five others were charged to court by the state government for allegedly making inciting statements interpreted as blasphemy against Prophet Muhammad.
They were sentenced to death by hanging by the Upper Shari’ah Court, but the Appeal Court in Kaduna has, however, declared them not guilty.

In its reaction in a statement signed by Commissioner for Information, Malam Muhammad Garba, the state government said:  “We are extremely shocked and dissatisfied with the ruling of the Court of Appeal, for declaring Nyass and five others not guilty of the offence.

“The appellants were last February found guilty for blasphemy against Prophet Muhammad, and sentenced to death by the Upper Shari’ah Court, Rijiyar Lemo, presided over by Khadi Atiku Muhammad Bello.

“The state Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has already instructed the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to file an appeal against the ruling of the Appeal Court immediately.
“The public is therefore urged to be calm, patient and exercise restraint as the state government has vowed to continue to pursue the case with unwavering commitment until the accused persons are brought to book according to the provision of Islam.”