A Shariah Court in Kano, sitting at Kofar Kudu, has ordered the remand of Nasiru Mukhtar for allegedly assaulting an imam during prayer at a mosque in Tudunwada area. The incident occurred on October 22, 2024, during the early morning prayer (Subh).
According to police reports, Mukhtar is accused of storming the mosque and attacking the imam, Malam Murtala Sulaiman, while he was leading the congregation. The defendant allegedly grabbed the imam by the neck, slapped him, tore his clothing, and forcibly took away his microphone.
The police charged Mukhtar with offences that violate Sections 165 and 166 of the Kano State Penal Code, which deal with disturbing religious worship and public order.
Mukhtar pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read out by the prosecuting counsel, Aliyu Abidin. The defence counsel requested that the court grant his client bail, but the presiding judge, Malam Isah Rabi’u Gaya, ordered a psychiatric evaluation to determine Mukhtar’s mental state before considering his bail application.
Judge Gaya subsequently ordered Mukhtar’s remand pending the outcome of the psychiatric test and adjourned the case until November 22, 2024.
The imam, Malam Murtala Sulaiman, lodged an official complaint with the Kano State Police Command following the assault. Further investigations are ongoing as the court awaits the mental health evaluation of the accused.
