Deborah Samuel: Strengthen Laws To Criminalise Blasphemy — Muslim Leaders

Muslim leaders has said that the government should strengthen laws to criminalise blasphemy, The Nation report.

Muslim leaders have called on State Governments to strengthen and promulgate laws to criminalise killing for blasphemy outside the law, and faithfully enforce them.

They spoke on Sunday in Lagos where they condemned the murder of Deborah Samuel, a student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto for alleged blasphemy.

Muslim leaders, including Prof. Ishaq Akintola of Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC); Prof. Abdulrazaq Kilani, Alhaji Ariyo Olushekun, Babalola Abdulrasheed of Movement for Islamic Culture and Awareness; Dr. Jubril Salaudeen of Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC), others called for swift and transparent justice against Deborah Samuel’s killers.

They expressed shock over the murder of Deborah Samuel, and also condemned every act of insult and provocation along religious and ethnic fault lines.

They said: “As Muslims and Nigerians, we are united with other citizens in expressing complete shock and revulsion at the murder of Deborah Samuel, a student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto on 12th of May, 2022, alleged to have blasphemed against Prophet Muhammed.

“As leaders of Muslims organisations, we amplify the voice of condemnation by other Muslim leaders, most notably the Sultan, against the dastardly murder of Deborah, we call for swift and transparent justice against her killers.

“The tragic event of murder of Deborah Samuel can be utilised as a turning point in Muslim-Christian relations, and herald a new era of peaceful and respectful coexistence. These are achievable ideals it f each religious adherents will embrace and sincerely practice the sublime messages of their faith

“We condemn every act of insult and provocation along religious and ethnic fault lines. In particular, we condemn in equal measure any insults, abuse, denigration, or mischievous attacks against any and all of prophets of God.

“We urge governments of all states of the federation to strengthen or promulgate laws to criminalise blasphemy, and killing for blasphemy outside the law, and faithfully enforce them.

“We condemn jungle justice, and lament it’s endemic nature in Nigeria and call for justice for all other victims of extra judicial killngs.. the Lekki killing by Okada riders and other similar acts of barbarism and mob violence.”

The Muslim leaders called on the leadership of the Nigeria inter-religious council (NIREC) to demonstrate that they stand united and together in opposition to all prejudiced appeals.

They also called on all leaders of faiths to continue to enlighten, educate adherents on the need for mutual respect, and to focus on messages of love and work against voices of hatred and extremism.