Protests have erupted in Katsina State in northern Nigeria following the court appearance of a man accused of insulting Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in Facebook posts allegedly published in 2024.
The accused, identified in local reports as Mani Abubakar, is a Christian from Katsina State. He is alleged to have published Facebook posts in Hausa in January 2024 containing remarks that many Muslims regarded as insulting to Islam and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The case resurfaced this week when Abubakar reportedly appeared before a court in the Kofar Soro area of Katsina metropolis. News of the hearing prompted demonstrations by Muslim youths, who gathered near the court and police facilities, demanding that authorities take action over the allegations.
According to local reports, the original incident in 2024 triggered heightened tensions in the area. Abubakar and members of his family were reportedly forced into hiding after the posts circulated online, while his home and vehicle were allegedly damaged.
Videos circulating on social media showed demonstrators chanting: “He was insulting the Prophet. We can’t accept it. We can’t accept it. Bring him out, let’s serve him justice.”
In one widely shared video, a protest leader said: “We have someone here in the outskirts of Katsina, a fornicator, an infidel who has touched our forefather, the Holy Prophet Muhammad, and we are not pleased. And he has been brought here to the police station. We are calling on the authorities to do the needful by killing him. He should not be set free. Or if they choose to set him free, we the Muslim youths will kill him. We have not come out to return without seeing him dead.”
The same speaker called on Muslims and supporters of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to return the following day to continue their demonstrations.
Security was significantly reinforced around the Kofar Soro roundabout, the court precinct and other strategic locations across Katsina metropolis as crowds gathered. Authorities reportedly took the accused into protective custody while legal proceedings and investigations continue.
The Katsina State Police Command also held consultations with religious and traditional leaders, including representatives of the Katsina Emirate Council, in an effort to de-escalate tensions, maintain public order and that Islam does not condone the willful killing of any person.
Police have appealed to religious leaders and community figures to encourage calm and lawful conduct while the judicial process takes its course. Tactical units and intelligence personnel were also deployed across parts of the city to monitor developments and prevent further unrest.
The alleged Facebook posts have since been deleted, while authorities have not publicly released detailed information regarding the specific charges facing Abubakar.
As of Friday, security remained on high alert across parts of Katsina as residents awaited further updates from the police and the courts.
