Appeal Court orders prison to produce Sheikh Abduljabar Kabara
Kano Court Orders Production of Sheikh Kabara for Appeal Hearing
The Court of Appeal in Kano has mandated the Nigerian Correctional Service to present Sheikh Abduljabar Kabara before the court for his appeal hearing scheduled for April 23, 2026. The Islamic scholar is currently in custody following a death sentence imposed by an Upper Shari’a Court for alleged blasphemy.
During Monday’s proceedings, presiding Justice Mohammed Lawal-Shuaibu ruled that Kabara, who filed the appeal independently rather than through legal counsel, be brought before the court to personally advocate for his case. He was joined by Justices Abubakar Muazu-Lamido and Ahmad Ramat-Mohammed.
“In view of the appellant’s personal filing of the appeal, he is required to appear in person,” Justice Lawal-Shuaibu stated. He further ordered that, due to Kabara’s custody, the Correctional Service ensure his presence for the continuation of the hearing on the adjourned date.
At the start of the session, neither party was represented in court, prompting Usman Malam-Hussaini to inform the court that he was sent by Kabara to request his transfer from Kuje Prison to facilitate access to his records. In response, the judge summoned the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Kabiru-Maude (SAN), who was absent due to illness, as indicated by Barr. Zahradeen Kofar-Mata, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions in the Kano State Ministry of Justice.
Kofar-Mata explained that a private lawyer had been assigned to the case and attributed the absence of representation to a mix-up at the registry. Justice Lawal-Shuaibu expressed concern over the Attorney General’s failure to appear, labeling it disrespectful to the court, and subsequently adjourned the matter.
