The presiding judge of Bauchi Upper Shariah Court 01, Hussaini Turaki, has ordered the release of the embattled Imam of Dutsen Tanshi Jumm’ah Mosque, Dr Idris Abdul’aziz on bail, but the cleric’s counsel, Barrister Kamal Mohammed, argued that the bail conditions are stringent.
WikkiTimes reports that Dr Abdul’aziz was released after the judge varied the earlier conditions for the bail which demands that the Imam present three sureties comprising a district head, a PhD holder and a businessperson within the Bauchi metropolis.
But the cleric’s counsel, Mohammed, argued that the bail conditions, particularly, that aspect of traditional rulers who are government employees, were not fair to the cleric.
This is the second time that Imam Idris was granted bail after police in Bauchi charged him to court following a petition by Fityanul Islam against the Imam alleging that he uttered blasphemous comments against the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad, PBUH, and some notable Dariqa founders.
After completing its investigation, the police charged Imam Idris with a one-count charge bordering on incitement of public disturbance.
Ruling on the matter on Friday, Turaki said the imam should be released on self-bail, arguing that he is such a prominent person that can fulfil such a bail condition.
ADAMAWA GOVERNOR, IZALA CLERICS MEET BAUCHI GOV AFTER ABDUL’AZIZ WAS GRANTED BAIL
Following the release of the cleric, Adamawa State Governor, Amadu Fintiri alongside prominent Islamic scholars under the flagship of the Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS) met Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed to broker peace and dialogue to end the lingering litigation.
WikkiTimes gathered that the leaders of JIBWIS, Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau, Sheikh Kabiru Haruna Gombe and Sheikh Abdulwahab Kano held a closed-door meeting with Governor Bala on the matter at Bauchi Government House.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Governor Amadu Fintiri said they were in Bauchi to discuss and find a lasting solution to the lingering case against the Bauchi-based scholar which attracted reactions from across the country.
He appreciated Governor Bala for his understanding by granting the audience to the parties involved in the interest of peace.
Governor Mohammed said religion is a sensitive issue which has multidimensional implementations, commending Governor Fintiri and the clerics for extending the benefit of the doubt to him and Dr Abdul’aziz.
The cleric, WikkiTimes learnt, led a Friday congregation prayer shortly after he was released.
