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 Sharia Court for stealing has stirred up public concerns.
The Sharia Court in Kano reportedly ordered that the left leg and right hand of the unnamed convict be amputated after finding him guilty of the charges against him.
News about Nigeria gathered that almost all states in Northern Nigeria adopt and practice Sharia Law, including the harsh punishments it comes with, not leaving out some grievous treatment it imposes on victims.
The case of the said convict became public through the involvement of the Grand Khadi of Kano State, Dr. Tijjani Ibrahim-Yakasai.
As contained in a statement by the spokesperson of the Nigerian Correctional Service in Kano, Musbahu Kofar-Nassarawa, on Monday, the Grand Khadi has set up a committee to review the case of the said man after granting 147 offenders bail with minor offences in two custodial centres in the state.
According to the statement, the decision was taken to decongest the prison and to free those who have been languishing in the custodial centres in the state.
The statement also explained that 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.
It was also gathered that the first Sharia amputation case in Nigeria for stealing was carried out in Zamfara State when one Jangebe was amputated for allegedly stealing cattle.
