Followers of Bauchi Cleric, Abdul’aziz deny threatening govt to release him

The Dutsen Tanshi Majlis Foundation Bauchi, a group of followers loyal to popular Islamic Cleric, Dr. Idris Abdul’aziz has denied warning the state government in a purported notice that they will take laws into their hands if their leader is not released with immediate effect.

It was reported that a High Court of Islamic Law No. 1, in Bauchi had sent the embattled cleric to the state’s correctional facility for ‘contempt of court’

Abdul’aziz is standing trial for allegations of incitement of public disturbance of peace and blasphemy. He was earlier issued a bench warrant following his failure to appear before the court.

However, his followers, in a statement signed and made available to journalists on Tuesday by their leader Malam Yau, said the posters calling for his release did not emanate from the group.

“This is an emergency message to berate the students of Malam for some messages perpetrated by some unknown persons threatening that if Dr. Imam Idris is not released immediately, they will take laws into their hands.“So, we reiterate that this is not from us and we have no knowledge of it, the statement reads

It added that “We are calling on all Muslims that follow the teachings of Qur’an and Hadith and the righteous path to continue to be law-abiding, as efforts are ongoing to ensure the matter is settled legally.”

Malam Yau said only the committee members of the group have the mandate to release any statement or stand on the ongoing legal case against their leader.