Kano Cleric Sentenced to Death Requests Transfer from Kuje Prison

Sheikh Abduljabbar Nasir Kabara, a Kano-based cleric who has been sentenced to death, has lodged a new request seeking to be transferred from the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre in Abuja. He desires to be moved back to the Kurmawa Correctional Centre located in Kano.

In a petition submitted to the Court of Appeal in Kano Division and dated April 3, 2026, Kabara contended that his relocation to Abuja has impeded his ability to access critical case documents essential for pursuing his appeal. He stated that these files, comprising over 5,000 pages of proceedings and arguments, were left behind at the Kurmawa Prison when he was transferred on October 14, 2025.

“It is imperative that I first confirm the completeness and originality of my documents at Kurmawa Prison before a new hearing notice can be issued,” Kabara asserted in his complaint.

The cleric is requesting three specific outcomes from the court: an order for his return to Kurmawa Prison to verify his legal records, the reinstatement of any missing or altered documents, and a stay of hearing notice until his files are confirmed to be intact.

Kabara, who has indicated his intention to represent himself in the appeal process, referenced Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution to support his plea. He also expressed dissatisfaction that despite repeated efforts by his supporters to attend court sessions, no production warrant had been issued to allow his presence for the adoption of his appeal.

The Court of Appeal has not yet scheduled a date to hear the application. It is noted that the cleric has been in detention since July 16, 2021, following his initial arraignment before the Upper Sharia Court at Kofar Kudu in Kano. He faced four charges related to blasphemy against Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

On December 15, 2022, Justice Ibrahim Sarki-Yola, presiding over the court, found the cleric guilty on all four charges brought by the Kano state government and sentenced him to death by hanging.