Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has called on the Federal Government to intervene in cases involving death sentences for blasphemy, describing such punishments as unjust and incompatible with fundamental human rights.
Sowore made the appeal in a statement shared via his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday, where he specifically highlighted the case of Abuljabbar Kabara, an Islamic cleric sentenced to death in Kano.
According to him, Kabara’s trial and sentencing were deeply flawed, alleging that the process was influenced by political motivations rather than strict adherence to justice.
“The Federal Government must intervene to end death sentences for blasphemy… No human being should lose their life over their beliefs or expressions,” Sowore said.
He further argued that matters of faith should not be enforced through capital punishment, emphasizing that religious beliefs should not justify the taking of human life.
“God does not need executioners. I am pretty sure that God could fight for himself,” he added.
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The activist’s comments have reignited debate over the application of blasphemy laws in parts of Nigeria, particularly in northern states where such laws are enforced under religious legal frameworks.
Human rights advocates have long raised concerns about the compatibility of these laws with constitutional protections on freedom of expression and the right to life. They argue that the use of capital punishment in such cases risks undermining Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.
Supporters of blasphemy laws, however, maintain that they are essential for preserving religious harmony and moral order within their communities.
For families and communities affected by such cases, the issue remains deeply personal, often reflecting broader tensions between tradition, religion, and modern human rights standards.
As calls for intervention grow, attention is increasingly turning to the Federal Government’s role in balancing constitutional rights with regional legal practices in a diverse and multi-religious society.