Kano State Government has referred petitions and counter-petitions against Sheikh Lawan Triumph to the state’s Shura Council for review and advice.
The petitions, filed by several Islamic groups, including Safiyatul Islam of Nigeria, Tijjaniya Youth Enlightenment Forum, Interfaith Parties for Peace and Development, Qadiriyya Juma’at Mosque Imams, Committee of Sunnah Preachers, and Multaqa Ahbab Alsufiyya, accused the cleric of making blasphemous remarks against Prophet Muhammad during a recent preaching session in Kano.
In a statement on Friday, Press Secretary to the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Tanko, said Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf directed that the matter be referred to the Shura Council for consideration.
The Secretary to the State Government, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, appealed for calm and urged residents to continue their daily activities peacefully.
Some petitioners stressed the need to safeguard religious harmony. A spokesperson for the Committee of Sunnah Preachers said their concern was to “protect the sanctity of the Prophet’s name,” while Safiyatul Islam of Nigeria noted that freedom of speech must be exercised “within the bounds of respect for faith and values.”
The Shura Council, a respected body known for religious mediation, is expected to advise the government on a resolution.
