The brutal demise of a Nigerian second 12 months college pupil, Deborah Samuel, was within the identify of blasphemy in opposition to Prophet Mohammad. Her demise and former incidents within the nation query the position and place of faith within the nation.
Allegedly, Deborah had requested that different college students don’t publish non secular materials in a Whatsapp group meant for college assignments. Other experiences state that she made an announcement on social media insulting the prophet.
Samuel, a Christian, was first crushed and stoned earlier than being set on fireplace on 12 May. Following the incident, the college was closed instantly, and the Sultan of Sokoto and the northern governors condemned the killing.
Although there have been arrests made, the fees have been merely “criminal conspiracy and inciting public disturbances”, which many within the nation have known as out in opposition to.
Blasphemy and Sharia regulation
The Assistant General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God on Administration and Personnel, Pastor Johnson Odesola mentioned: “Nigeria is one, Nigeria is a secular country, not a religious country.”
However, Sokoto is among the northern states that observe Sharia regulation, and the Supreme Court of Nigeria does recognise blasphemy as a Sharia offence punishable by demise. That mentioned, it does state that the blasphemy “has to be established through evidence before a court of law” and that “the killing is controlled and sanctioned by the authorities.”
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Reactions within the north
Following the arrests, there have been youth protests in Sokoto calling for the unconditional launch of the detained. The state authorities reacted by imposing a 24-hour curfew on the state.
The Northern Governors Forum (NGF) has condemned the killing, with the chairman, Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State, issuing an announcement. The Kaduna authorities has banned protests associated to spiritual exercise within the state, to begin with instant impact.
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