Bashir Ahmad says Sharia law not responsible for Deborah’s killing

A former media aide to late former President Muhammadu Buhari, Bashir Ahmad, has stated that the Sharia law is not responsible for the unlawful killing of Deborah Samuel.

Bashir on his X handle on Monday, explained that the tragic incident which occurred in 2022 in Sokoto was a case of mob violence. He stressed that the Islamic religion is completely against such acts.

“It is important for people to know that the killing of Deborah had absolutely nothing to do with Sharia law. What happened was an act of extrajudicial mob violence,” he wrote.

He also explained that the individuals involved in the violent act, could face death penalty if tried under the Sharia law.

“In fact, under Sharia law, Deborah could not have been prosecuted because she was not a Muslim and Sharia criminal liabilities apply only to believers. Many people also do not know that if those who unlawfully killed her were to be tried under the actual provisions of Sharia, they could face the death penalty. The Sharia principle is very clear “a soul for a soul” and “an eye for an eye”, he added.

Deborah Samuel Yakubu, was a Christian student in Sokoto state who was accused of blasphemy against the Islamic prophet. She was stoned by a mob of students.