Sokoto State Chapter of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has condemned the murder of a butcher, Usman Buda, over alleged blasphemy.

MURIC reaction was contained in a statement signed by its Chairman, Muhammad Mansur Aliyu Esq, on Monday June 26, 2023.

Aliyu urged the Muslim Ummah to stop taking the law into their hands each time there is an alleged blasphemy.

The statement reads;

“We assert that Islam abhors jungle justice, because it will lead to the taking of innocent lives and destruction of the properties of innocent persons. Islam does not allow people to do what they like or take laws into their hands as they deem fit.

“It is only the courts (Shariah and common law courts) that have powers to execute offenders after proving them guilty through fair trial, this position can be found in many Qur’anic verses such as Qur’an 4:65, 6:57, 12:40 and 43:10 etc.

“It is not in dispute that Islamic law provides death sentence against anybody who insults, defames or brings disrepute to the Prophet of Islam Muhammad (Peace and Blessing of Allah be Upon Him).

“However, Islamic law does not leave the killing open in the hands of private individuals as it happened in the case of Usman Buda.

“In fact, Islamic law stipulates that the offence of blasphemy like other offences should be established through evidence by witnesses before a court of law and the Court shall pronounce such person guilty of the blasphemy before execution could be carried out by the authorities.

“Finally, while we condemn the murder of Usman Buda, we also in the strongest term urge Muslims to stop jungle justice and allow the law to take its course whenever issues of such nature arise. May the peace and blessings of Allah continue to be upon the noble prophet Muhammad (SAW).”

The Background

On the morning of June 25, 2023, the residents of Sokoto awoke to the distressing news of the tragic murder of Usman Buda, a butcher, allegedly due to a blasphemous comment made against the revered Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

According to sources, individuals who were closely associated with the victim at the Sokoto abattoir made desperate attempts to save him. Unfortunately, they also suffered injuries during the incident and are currently receiving medical treatment in the hospital.