Sheikh Abduljabar Nasiru Kabara, sentenced to death over blasphemy against the Prophet of Islam, has been transferred out of Kano Correctional Center to Abuja.

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Kano State Command, who confirmed the transfer, clarified that the transfer of Sheikh Kabara to another custodial centre under federal jurisdiction was a routine administrative procedure conducted in line with established regulations.

A Kano Senior Magistrate, presided over by Justice Ibrahim Sarki Yola, had on 15th December 2022 sentenced Sheikh Abduljabar Nasiru Kabara to death by hanging for blasphemy against the Prophet of Islam.

The magistrate found Sheikh Abduljabar Nasiru Kabara guilty on all charges filed against him by the state government, where he was accused of making unremarkable statements against the Prophet Muhammad.

The transfer statement was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Kano by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSC Musbahu Lawan K/Nassarawa.

According to the statement, the transfer was carried out in accordance with the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, which empowers the Service to manage inmates effectively across the country’s correctional facilities.

“The recent transfer of inmate Malam Abduljabbar Nasiru Kabara to one of the designated custodial centres under federal jurisdiction is a standard administrative procedure carried out in accordance with the Service’s statutory responsibilities and operational guidelines,” the statement said.

It explained that the movement of inmates between custodial centres of different security categories formed part of the service’s constitutional mandate aimed at ensuring effective management, rehabilitation, and reformation of offenders.

“Transfer or removal of an inmate to a correctional centre of a different security category from that in which he was previously confined is part of the Nigerian Correctional Service’s constitutional mandate as outlined in the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019,” the statement added.

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

Musbahu assured members of the public that Abduljabbar’s rights remain fully protected despite the transfer.

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

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

The PRO reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to its mandate of ensuring safe custody, reformation, and rehabilitation of inmates in the interest of state security and public safety.

Blasphemy: Sheikh Abduljabar moved from Kano Correctional Centre to Abuja