Bauchi State government has denied facilitating the arrest of the chief imam of Dutsen-Tanshi Jumma’ah Mosque, Dr Idris Abdul’aziz.
The controversial imam, a Sunni advocate, has been locked in a legal tussle following his comments on the personality of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) while giving a commentary of the Glorious Qur’an.
Infuriated by the imam’s comments, some religious sects, led by Fitayanul Islam, petitioned the commissioner of police of the state, alleging that his comments were derogatory of the person of Prophet of Islam and key notable Ɗariqa founding fathers.
After its investigation, the police charged Abdul’aziz to court on one-count charge of inciting disturbance of public peace. He was reminded but later released on bail.
Addressing journalists yesterday, the state commissioner for water resources, Abdulrazaq Nuhu Zaki, said the latest effort of the police to re-arrest the imam was informed by a court order following his inability to appear before it.
He said the state government did not direct security agencies to arrest Abdul’aziz.
The commissioner said while the imam contributed to the political victory of the PDP-led administration in 2019, he has consistently turned his preaching podium into a blackmailing spot against leaders and religious clerics holding views contrary to his.
Zaki called on the imam to avoid using his wealth of knowledge to cause disaffection among adherents of different sects under the guise of preaching the gospel of Sunni ideology.
In mid-January, the judge of Bauchi Upper Shari’ah Court, Hussaini Turaki issued an arrest warrant against Abdul’aziz for his consistent refusal to appear before the court despite being served with notices of appearance.
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