Correctional Centre Defends Islamic Cleric’s Transfer From Kano Facility

Kano State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has described the recent transfer of controversial cleric, Malam Abduljabbar Nasiru Kabara, to another custodial centre under federal jurisdiction as a routine administrative decision in line with its operational mandate.

In a statement signed by the command’s spokesperson, Musbahu Lawan, the NCoS said the transfer was executed in accordance with the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, which empowers the Service to reassign inmates based on security, classification, facility capacity and rehabilitation requirements.

“The recent transfer of inmate Malam Abduljabbar Nasiru Kabara to one of the designated custodial centres under federal jurisdiction is a standard administrative procedure carried out in accordance with the Service’s statutory responsibilities and operational guidelines,” he said.

The Service said such transfers were common practice and aimed to ensure effective management and security across correctional facilities nationwide.

It declared that Abduljabbar’s welfare and legal rights remain protected under the law, adding that the move does not affect his legal status, right of appeal, or access to legal counsel.

“The controller of Kano State Command remains committed to delivering on the Service’s mandate of safe custody, reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders in the interest of state security and public safety,” Lawan said.

Malam Kabara, a Kano-based Islamic cleric, was convicted in December 2022 by an Upper Sharia Court in Kano for blasphemy and was sentenced to death by hanging by the judge, Mallam Ibrahim Sarkin-Yola.