By Akubulu Ngozi
The shocking story of a man who allegedly spent 18 years in prison waiting for his leg and hand to be amputated following his conviction by the Sheri’a Law for stealing, has stirred up public concern.
The Sheri’a Court in Kano reportedly ordered that the left leg and right hand of the unnamed convict to be amputated after finding him guilty of the charges against him.
Note that, almost all States in Northern Nigeria adopt and practice the Shari’a Law, including the harsh punishments it comes with, not leaving out some grievous treatment it imposes on victims.
Moreover, the case of the said man attracted public attention through the involvement of the Grand Khadi of Kano State, Dr Tijjani Ibrahim-Yakasai, lately
As contained in a statement by the Spokesperson of the Nigerian Correctional Service in Kano, Musbahu Kofar-Nassarawa, on Monday, Ibrahim-Yakasai has set up a committee to review the case of the said man after granting 147 offenders bail with minor offenses in two custodial centers in the State.
Revealing that the decision was taken to decongest the prison and to free those that have been languishing in the custodial centers in the State.
According to him, the committee which includes six judges, headed by an Upper Sharia Court Judge, Malam Ibrahim Sarki-Yola, will also review the case of the said man who was allegedly convicted at the State’s Correctional Center for the alleged years.
Recall that, the first Sheri’a amputation case in Nigeria for stealing was carried out in Zamfara State when one Jangebe was amputated for allegedly stealing cattle.