Blasphemy: Group Renews Call for Probe, Prosecution in Deborah Yakubu’s Demise

By Adedapo Adesanya

The National Coalition Against Mass Killings, Extra-Judicial Killings, Mob Actions and Impunity (NCAMKI) has renewed its call for the investigation and prosecution of those responsible for the death of Miss Deborah Samuel Yakubu at Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto.

Miss Deborah, a 200-level student of the institution, was slain on May 12, 2022, after she was accused of blasphemy. The incident occurred within the school premises and was captured on video, with footage of the killing subsequently circulated widely.

In a statement signed by Mr Tunde Agunbiade on behalf of NCAMKI, the coalition questioned why the case had not led to the prosecution of the alleged principal perpetrators despite the availability of video evidence.

Two suspects, Mr Bilyaminu Aliyu and Mr Aminu Hukunci, were arrested and arraigned before a Sokoto Chief Magistrate’s Court in May 2022 over their alleged involvement in the incident. They were reportedly charged with criminal conspiracy and inciting public disturbance.

However, the case was later struck out and the two suspects discharged after the prosecution failed to diligently pursue the matter. Reports on the proceedings said the prosecution was absent from court, prompting the Chief Magistrate to strike out the case.

The Sokoto State Police Command also said in May 2023 that it was still pursuing some prime suspects allegedly involved in Deborah’s killing.

Against this backdrop, NCAMKI called on the Nigeria Police Force, Sokoto State Government, Ministry of Justice and other relevant authorities to provide a comprehensive update on the status of the investigation.

The coalition demanded clarification on the identities and status of all suspects and persons of interest, an explanation for the collapse of the prosecution against the two arraigned suspects, and details of whether other suspects identified during investigations had been arrested, prosecuted or cleared.

It further called for the preservation and forensic examination of video and other digital evidence connected to the killing.

NCAMKI maintained that an allegation of blasphemy, or any other offence, does not give individuals or mobs the authority to impose punishment outside the law.

It warned that failure to prosecute perpetrators of mob killings could erode public confidence in the justice system and encourage further acts of mob violence.

The coalition said the deceased’s family deserved more than condolences, stressing that her death should not become merely an anniversary issue.

“Condolences cannot replace justice. Outrage cannot replace prosecution. Arrests cannot replace conviction, and four years cannot erase a crime,” the statement said.

NCAMKI urged the authorities to determine what further investigative and prosecutorial steps remain possible and to hold accountable any official whose failure, neglect or obstruction contributed to the collapse of the case.

The coalition also appealed to the authorities and Nigerians not to turn Miss Yakubu’s killing into a religious confrontation, insisting that the matter should be treated as an issue of human rights, the rule of law and accountability.

It said the central question remained whether a person could be publicly killed by a mob and the perpetrators subsequently escape the reach of the law.

NCAMKI l, therefore l, urged the government to ensure that the victim’s case was not forgotten and that every person found responsible was brought before a competent court to face the law.