The Kano State Shura Council on Monday held a closed-door meeting with prominent Islamic cleric, Malam Lawan Shu’aibu Abubakar, widely known as Triumph, over allegations of blasphemy raised by five Islamic groups in the state.
The meeting, convened at the Department of State Services (DSS) office in Kano, sought clarification over remarks attributed to the cleric in viral videos, which some Islamic scholars described as derogatory to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Wazirin Kano Sa’ad Shehu Gidado, who chairs the Council, said the state government had received a petition in September from five Islamic groups accusing the cleric of making statements that amounted to blasphemy.
“The petition was referred to the Shura Council for investigation and recommendations after hearing from the accused,” Gidado told participants. “This is not a court session but a discussion. Whatever we do here will be forwarded to the government for further consideration.”
The Council said four out of nine issues raised in the petition were selected for deliberation. These included claims about the Prophet’s birth, physical features, and certain statements the cleric allegedly made referencing Ummu Haramun, a relative of the Prophet.
A video containing the statements was played during the session, and by 12:09 p.m., Abubakar confirmed ownership of the clips. “They are all my submissions,” he said.
However, the cleric denied making the remarks in the context alleged by his accusers. “I said the Prophet was not born circumcised, with a cut navel, or with eyeliner. His uncle, Abdulmuttalib, took him for circumcision — books are available to verify this,” he explained.
He also dismissed the claim about eyeliner, saying, “Even animals are born with eyeliner, but it cannot be associated with the Prophet because he is above that.”
During the session, several Islamic scholars questioned his sources and interpretation. Sheikh Habibu Muhammad Dan Almajiri asked the cleric to identify scholars supporting his view, while others, including Sheikh Abdullahi Uwais and Malam Usman Makwarari, urged restraint in public preaching.
“People of Kano are very sensitive when it comes to anything related to the Prophet. You must be careful with language and context. Even if your intention is good, your words might cause confusion,” Malam Mai Bushira warned.
Abubakar maintained that his words were taken out of context. “Some people didn’t even hear the full clip but judged from short videos. I was misunderstood,” he said.
The session ended with Abubakar expressing gratitude to the Council and seeking forgiveness from those who misinterpreted his teachings. “God knows I love peace and peaceful coexistence. May He guide us all,” he said.