26/02/2026
OPEN LETTER
TO THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF KANO STATE AND THE HONOURABLE COMMISSIONER OF JUSTICE
To His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State
Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf And The Honourable Commissioner for Justice, Kano State
Barr. Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude, SAN
Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu.
We respectfully present this open letter to you, with utmost courtesy, respect and obedience, on behalf of ourselves, the students of Sheikh Abduljabbar Nasir Kabara, in order to express deep concern over the current situation regarding his trial and the prolonged detention he has been subjected to. Your Excellencies, there is no doubt that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the laws of the land guarantee the right of every citizen accused of an offence to be tried with justice, fairness, and without undue or unjustified delay. This right is not a favour granted by the government, but a legal entitlement that must be upheld at all times.The continued detention of Sheikh Abduljabbar Nasir Kabara, without the conclusion of his trial or the full opportunity for him to defend himself before a court of law, continues to generate concern, questions, and confusion in the minds of the public, especially among us, his students and followers, who regard you as leaders committed to justice, fairness and respect for the rule of law. We wish to make it absolutely clear that we are not asking for any special privilege. What we are asking for is simply this:If there are charges against him, he should be given full and unfettered opportunity to defend himself within the framework of the law;And if there is no sufficient evidence, then the law should be allowed to take its proper course without delay.In your capacity as leaders entrusted with the protection of lives and the rights of the people, we appeal to you to look into this matter with insight, a sense of justice and fear of Allah, for history records every step taken by leaders. and the public is watching how justice and the rule of law are being administered Furthermore, we wish to draw your attention to the fact that the absence of true and visible justice can breed frustration, despair, and loss of confidence in the hearts of the youth and the general populace. We, as students and supporters of Sheikh Abduljabbar, remain firmly committed to the path of lawfulness, peace, and obedience to constituted authorities. However, we also have a democratic right to express our views through lawful means recognised by the law.We hope that we will not reach a situation where political expressions of dissatisfaction may arise in the future as a result of a perceived denial of justice. What is more appropriate is to ensure that truth and justice prevail from now, as this is the foundation of peace and stability.We pray that Allah, the Most High, grants you the ability to do what is right, and guides all of us towards truth, justice and peaceful coexistence.Wassalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu.Signed:
Students of Sheikh Abduljabbar Nasir Kabara
(Through As’habul Kahfi Multimedia)Date:
26 February, 2026
Human Rights Watch
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Abba Kabir Yusuf