‘Her lawyers must be Muslims’ — Rahama Sadau’s petitioner lists conditions for ‘blasphemy’ trial

Lawal Gusau, a Kaduna-based man who petitioned Mohammed Adamu, inspector-general of police (IGP), over Rahama Sadau, has listed conditions for the trial of the Kannywood actress over allegation of blasphemy.

The conditions were listed in a statement titled: “Conditions to be met in respect of Rahama Sadau’s allegation of blasphemy on the Prophet Muhammad (SAW).”

The 26-year-old Hausa actress was accused of stirring controversy and blasphemy after she shared some of her photos on social media wherein she wore a backless dress which brought out her curves.

Part of the conditions is that her lawyers must be Muslims, as “it’s a matter of Holy Qur’an and not a matter relating to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Gusau also demanded that the police should only “observe their constitutional role” by conveying her to Islamic court after investigation into the matter.

Other conditions are that renowned Islamic scholars like Isa Pantami should be the judges of the day while Arewa lawyers should not defend Rahama Sadau.

According to the petitioner, the conditions were consequent upon a BBC Hausa report that claimed the movie star was coming to Kaduna to defend herself against the allegations.

“Her lawyer (s) MUST be Muslim by faith. This is predicated on the fact that it is only a Muslim Lawyer that can understand the proceedings of Sharia Court. It is a matter relating to Hadiths of the Prophet and the Glorious Holy Qur’an and not a matter relating to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement read.

CONDITIONS TO MET IN RESPECT OF Rahama Sadau ALLEGATION OF BLASPHEMY ON THE PROPHET MUHAMMAD (SAW) pic.twitter.com/vSKaPik1AR

— Lawal Gusau (@LawalGusau5) November 7, 2020

“The Police should only observe their constitutional role of conveying her to Islamic Shariah Court after conduction discreet investigation of the case in issue.

“Renowned Islamic scholars like Sheikh (Dr.) Ahmed Mahmoud Gumi, Kaduna, Sheikh Ahmed BUK from Kano, Sheikh Kabir Haruna Gombe from Gombe state, Shekh Nura Khalil (Digital) from Abuja and Sheikh Ali Isa Pantami (Hon. Minister of Communication) will be the Ulamas that will give Islamic interpretation with regards to the blasphemy on the Prophet Muhammed (SAW).

“We compliment the resolve of Arewa lawyers for not interfering in the cases of blasphemy against one Aminu Sherif and Umar Farouq. We expect the Arewa lawyers and most particularly Lawyers in Kaduna not to interfere in Rahama Sadau’s case.

“Finally, we wish to call on the general public to remain calm, while assuring all Muslim faithfuls that justice will take its course.”

The development comes about the same time when the IGP had directed Umar Muri, Kaduna commissioner of police, to address the controversy trailing Sadau’s controversial photos.

TheCable Lifestyle had reported how the development had elicited mixed reactions among several conservative Muslims, some of whom quickly condemned her as having committed “haram”, an act that is forbidden by Islamic law.

It had also prompted the Motion Picture Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MOPPAN), an umbrella body of northern filmmakers popularly called Kannywood, to hand the actress her second suspension in four years.

In October 2016, Sadau was expelled from Kannywood for “hugging and cuddling” in a music video.