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Blasphemy: UNICEF urges federal, Kano governments to reverse sentence
Aminu Abdullahi
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called on the federal and Kano state governments to reverse a Shari’a Court judgment sentencing a minor to 10 years imprisonment for blasphemy.
Kano Focus reports that UNICEF representative in Nigeria Peter Hawkins made the call in a statement issued on Wednesday.
“The sentencing of this child – 13-year-old Omar Farouk – to 10 years in prison with menial labor is wrong.
“It also negates all core underlying principles of child rights and child justice that Nigeria – and by implication, Kano State – has signed on to.” Mr Hawkins said.
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It could be recalled that on August 10, 2020 a Shari’a Court sitting at Filin Hockey, Kano sentenced Omar Farouk having found him guilty of committing blasphemy during an argument with friends.
A Lagos-based lawyer Kola Alapinni appealed against the sentence on September 09, 2020.
Mr Hawkins said the sentence contravenes the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, and Nigeria’s Child Rights Act.
“This case further underlines the urgent need to accelerate the enactment of the Kano State Child Protection Bill so as to ensure that all children under 18, including Omar Farouq are protected – and that all children in Kano are treated in accordance with child rights standards,” said Mr Hawkins.
Kano state will not reverse judgment
However, spokesperson of the Kano High Courts Baba Jibo Ibrahim said the state government has not officially received UNICEF’s complaint.
Mr Ibrahim told Kano Focus that even when UNICEF lodges an official complaint the state government cannot overturn the judgment.
He noted that UNICEF is established by law and it knows that all nations and states have their own laws.
“Their allegation is false and selfish because they have no right to tell us what our laws should be.” He said.
Mr Ibrahim told Kano Focus that Omar Farouk is 16 years not 13 as claimed by UNICEF.
He added that Farouk was convicted for blasphemy according to the Kano State Shari’a Penal Code 2000 and Kano State Administration of Criminal Justice Law.
“He was convicted for an offence whose punishment is death but because he is a minor, the Kano state Sharia Code says he will not be sentenced to death but given a severe punishment.” Mr Ibrahim said.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A former Governor of Kano State Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has commended the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for ordering a fresh investigation into the disappearance of activist and lecturer Abubakar Idris Dadiyata.
KANO FOCUS reports that Kwankwaso made the remarks in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Saturday following recent testimony by a former aide to an ex-state governor, who allegedly claimed that police officers were responsible for Dadiyata’s disappearance in Kaduna.
Dadiyata, a lecturer and social media commentator, was abducted in 2019, and his whereabouts have remained unknown since then.
According to Kwankwaso, he and his associates have consistently advocated for a thorough investigation into the incident and for those responsible to be brought to justice.
He described the Inspector-General’s directive for a comprehensive investigation as a “decisive and long-overdue action,” expressing hope that the process would uncover the truth behind the disappearance.
The former governor also urged police authorities to place individuals named in the allegations under close surveillance to prevent interference with the investigation.
Kwankwaso further called on the government to ensure that Dadiyata, if found alive, and his family receive adequate compensation for the trauma and hardship they have endured over the years.
He commended members of the public for sustaining advocacy efforts on the case and also praised Abba Hikima Fagge for what he described as his important role in the latest developments surrounding the investigation.
Kwankwaso expressed optimism that the renewed probe would ultimately deliver truth and justice in the case.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced that its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) remains unchanged, reaffirming its commitment to stability in Nigeria’s domestic energy market.
In a statement issued by Esan Sunday, Head of Media Relations, Branding and Communication, the company said sustaining the current price reflects its efforts to cushion the broader economy against external shocks. It noted that by absorbing prevailing cost pressures, the refinery is helping to moderate inflationary risks, promote energy affordability, and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply amid ongoing global uncertainties.
The company reiterated its dedication to the steady supply of high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market, while aligning with national objectives of price stability and energy security.
It also urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the refinery for accurate and up-to-date information regarding its operations and pricing.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
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