Ahmed Aliyu, the Sokoto State Governor, has vowed to deal decisively with anyone who blasphemes against Prophet Muhammad bin Abdullah (PBUH).

Aliyu said this via a statement issued on Sunday and signed by Abubakar Bawa, his spokeman. Earlier in the day, overzealous Muslims in the state killed Usman Buda, a butcher, for alleged blasphemy.

The mob accused Buda of making blasphemous comments against the prophet and stoned him to death. This mob also injured people trying to help the butcher.

Reacting to the incident, Bawa’s statement read, “Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu, has called on the people of the state to remain calm and law-abiding at all times. The governor cautioned the people against any act capable of degrading the personality of Prophet Muhammad SAW, especially in a state like Sokoto, which is a predominantly Muslim-dominated community.

“Dr Aliyu said that Sokoto people have so much respect and regard for Prophet Muhammad SAW, hence the need for all the residents to respect, protect his dignity and personality.

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“I want to call on the people of Sokoto State to avoid taking laws into their own hands and instead report any alleged crime or blasphemy to the appropriate quarters for necessary action.

“Our religion does not encourage taking laws into one’s hands, so let us try to be good followers of our religion.

“He added that the present administration will not take the issue of blasphemy lightly, and will deal decisively with anyone found guilty of any act aimed at degrading the personality of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, in line with the provision of Islamic laws.

“The governor assured the people of the state of his administration’s commitment to guarantee[ing] the safety of lives and property of all law-abiding citizens.

“The governor also warned would-be troublemakers to have a change of mind, adding that Sokoto is a wrong place for them.”

In Nigeria, Section 204 of the Criminal Code recommends a two-year jail term for anyone who ridicules another’s religion, but the penal code operational in Northern Nigeria recommends punishments of varying degrees, up to death.

If this punishment is pronounced by a Sharia court however, the guilty party can appeal the judgement in a court of appeal where the 1999 Constitution, as amended, would be used to arrive at a verdict.