The Jami’ur Rahman Mosque, formerly known as Masjid Sahaba in Kano State, has suspended Sheikh Muhammad Bin Uthman from leading prayers and delivering sermons following his controversial sermon on January 24, Daily Nigerian reports.
The old site of the mosque, which Mr. Uthman led for 24 years, is located a few meters away from the new site, which was officially allocated to a renowned oil marketer, AY Maikifi.
The new site was originally a green area where Muslim congregants gathered for Friday and Eid prayers, which were led from the old site.
After the allocation of the green area by Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, Mr. Maikifi reportedly met with Bin Uthman and agreed to merge the administration of the old mosque site with the new one.
However, during the controversial sermon, Mr. Uthman narrated how he was “short-changed” and sidelined in the running of the mosque’s affairs.
He said the mosque trust appointed three additional Imams without making him the leader.
The January 24 sermon, however, angered worshippers, who nearly attacked the secretary of the mosque’s board of trustees, Abdulkadir Isawa.
The mosque management, in a letter signed by the director of administration, suspended Mr. Uthman indefinitely and directed him to hand over all mosque properties in his possession.
“Kindly refer to the unfortunate incident that followed your conduct and utterances during the Jumu’ah Khutbah on January 24, 2025,” the letter read.
“During your Khutbah, you made some derogatory remarks about the establishment and management of this mosque, which consequently led to chaos after the Jumu’ah prayer.
“As a result, I am directed by the leadership of the Trust, as custodians and managers of the mosque, to convey the Trust’s decision to suspend you as Imam pending the outcome of an investigation. A committee shall be set up by the Trust to review and analyze all video and audio recordings, as well as gather oral testimonies from individuals who witnessed your Khutbah and the resulting disorder.
“By this letter, you are directed to hand over all mosque properties in your possession to the undersigned and to stay away from the mosque premises and its vicinity until the investigation is concluded.”
On Monday, the State Security Service (SSS) and the Council of Ulama invited Mr. Uthman and the founder of the new mosque, Mr. Maikifi.
According to sources, the SSS cautioned Mr. Uthman against delivering sermons that could incite violence or cause unrest in the mosque.
In its intervention, the Council of Ulama advised Mr. Uthman to relocate to his former mosque.
However, it remains unclear whether Mr. Uthman will accept the Council of Ulama’s advice.
