Al-Mustapha Sues Islamic Cleric who Accused Him Of Training Terrorists

Former Chief Security Officer to the Late Gen. Sani Abacha, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, Wednesday dragged a Kaduna based Islamic preacher, Sheikh Sanusi Khalil before an Upper Shariah Court, Daura Road, over alleged defamation of character.

Al-Mustapha is accusing the cleric of defaming his character in a sermon he preached at the Sani Zango Daura Jummu’at mosque in December, 2013, accusing him of training snippers to be used for political purpose.

The case which came up Wednesday amidst tight security could however not hold due to the absence of the presiding judge, Mallam Mustapha Umar.

In a direct criminal complaint filed by his counsel, Sadau Garba, Al-Mustapha is accusing the Islamic cleric for defamation and mischievous propaganda against his person.

“The defamatory” words, according to the summons, “are contained in both CD and DVD plates recorded with the knowledge and consent of the accused person and were being sold to members of the public both within and outside Nigeria” contrary to the provision of section 137 (1) Shariah Penal Code 2002, Kaduna State.

It further said that the Islamic cleric, in the course of his preaching was alleged to have stated thus: “The evil that men do lives after them. Information has reached me (that) you are in charge of training some young snipers and killers to promote your political ambition.

“These boys are being trained to kill some 1,000 people in this country perceived to be stumbling block on your part to achieving your political ambition. That is what (Obasanjo) said in his letter. If it is Sanusi that said this, they will accuse him of abusing some people.

“This is what Obasanjo told Jonathan in his letter. About two to three Fridays ago, in this place, I told you about the existence of these sniper boys.

“The person that was given this unfortunately is a Muslim brother. He has been given the contract of training and mobilising them on how to use these boys in wanton killings in order to win election at all cost. Let’s call a spade a spade, the person that was given this contract is Al-Mustapha.

“I swear with the name of God where he first started sitting with these boys, the venue and the time he sat, I swear with the name of God I have all the details.

“Are you not the one being accused of bringing terrorism into Nigeria? Al-Mustapha when you were arrested and detained, the poor Muslims, Christians, soldiers, police, Nigerians both within and outside the country all sympathised with you, prayed for you. If you are to pay for these prayers, I swear with the name of God, you don’t have the money to pay.”