Kano Government Hands Over Controversial Cleric Petitions to Shura Council

Kano State Government has referred petitions and counter-petitions against Sheikh Lawan Triumph to the state’s Shura Council for review and guidance.

The petitions, lodged by several Islamic groups including Safiyatul Islam of Nigeria, Tijjaniya Youth Enlightenment Forum, Interfaith Parties for Peace and Development, Qadiriyya Juma’at Mosque Imams, Committee of Sunnah Preachers, and Multaqa Ahbab Alsufiyya, accused the cleric of making blasphemous remarks against Prophet Muhammad during a recent preaching session in the state.

In a statement on Friday, Press Secretary to the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Tanko, said Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had directed that the matter be referred to the Shura Council for deliberation.

Secretary to the State Government, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, appealed to residents to remain calm and continue their daily activities peacefully.

Some petitioners emphasized the importance of protecting religious harmony. A spokesperson for the Committee of Sunnah Preachers said their objective was to “safeguard the sanctity of the Prophet’s name,” while Safiyatul Islam of Nigeria highlighted that freedom of expression must be exercised “within the bounds of respect for faith and values.”

The Shura Council, a well-respected body for religious mediation, is expected to provide recommendations on how the government should resolve the matter.

Olayinka Babatunde