The Nigerian Correctional Service, Kano State Command, has confirmed the transfer of the embattled Kano Islamic cleric, Sheikh Abduljabbar Kabara, to a different custodial facility operating under federal jurisdiction.

Musbahu K/Nassarawa, the Command’s spokesperson, released a statement to newsmen clarifying that the decision to relocate the cleric was made in accordance with the Service’s statutory responsibilities and operational guidelines.

According to the NCoS, this kind of action is also guided by various administrative factors, including security assessments, inmate classification, facility availability, and the cleric’s specific rehabilitation needs.

K/Nassarawa emphasized that the legal backing for this action is clearly defined within the nation’s laws, stating: “The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Kano State Command, wishes to state that the recent transfer of inmate Malam Abduljabbar Nasiru Kabara to one of the designated custodial centres under federal jurisdiction is a standard administrative procedure carried out in accordance with the Service’s statutory responsibilities and operational guidelines.”

He further detailed the constitutional basis for such movements, adding: “Transfer or removal of an inmate to a Correctional Centre of a different security category from that in which he was previously confined is part of the Nigerian Correctional Service’s constitutional mandate as outlined in the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, for effective management of inmates across correctional facilities nationwide. These decisions are made based on several factors including security, inmate classification, facility availability and rehabilitation needs.”

The spokesperson also offered a firm assurance to the public that the embattled cleric’s welfare and legal entitlements remain fully protected under Nigerian law despite the relocation. He stressed that the transfer does not compromise the cleric’s rights in any way.

K/Nassarawa explicitly stated: “The public is hereby assured of the welfare, and legal entitlements of Malam Abduljabbar remain fully protected under the law. The transfer does not in any way affect his legal status, rights of appeal, or access to his legal representation.”

He concluded by reaffirming the Command’s commitment to its core duties: “The Controller of Kano State Command is committed to delivering on the Service’s mandate of safe custody, reformation, rehabilitation and integration of offenders in the interest of state security and public safety,” the command’s spokesperson, K/Nassarawa, stated. Sheikh Abduljabbar Kabara is currently facing a legal battle concerning alleged blasphemy charges.