Controversy has erupted in Yobe State after prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Alkali Abubakar Salihu Zaria, was suspended from delivering his Ramadan exegesis at Mokas Mosque in Damaturu. The suspension followed a sermon in which the cleric openly criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, north-west governors, and state officials over rising insecurity.
The decision was reportedly taken after a meeting convened by the National Chairman of the Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), Jos faction, Muhammad Sani Yahaya Jingir, along with state and local representatives of the group.
Sources within the organisation said Sheikh Alkali was accused of “using strongly-worded statements against certain individuals in the region as well as the president, addressing insecurity in a manner inconsistent with the organisation’s established methodology.”
During his sermons, Sheikh Alkali condemned kidnappings and banditry, lamenting the lack of political will from state leaders.
“Today, people are abducted and traded as though they are cattle. Families implore, even though the abductors are ignorant. They will beat and kick their victims, often stamping on their stomachs even in Ramadan,” he said.
The cleric further criticised the fear-driven loyalty of politicians, adding: “Look at how state governors fear Tinubu much more than they fear Allah. If you are in the APC, you are treated like a saint; if you are in the opposition, you are treated like a devil. One will be confronted with trumped-up charges. Who is Tinubu? You deceived us. You are a deceiver and cheat.”
Reacting on social media, Sheikh Alkali said he accepted the suspension in good faith and urged his followers to remain steadfast.
“This was destined to happen. I urge you to be disciplined and loyal. What Allah has decided is the best for us,” he wrote.
The suspension sparked widespread debate online. While some, like social media user
Katagun, condemned the decision as unjustifiable, others dismissed the sermon as theatrical.
“There is nothing impressive in what Alkali said. He is simply turning Tafseer sessions into comedy,” commented Ahmad Usman El-Nafaty.
Yet many defended the cleric, emphasising the moral responsibility of religious leaders to speak out against injustice. Ibraheem Ahmad wrote:
“Clerics are the last hope of ordinary Nigerians. What Alkali said was the bitter truth. Islamic clerics should fear Allah. You are the representative of the people whose blood is being spilled.”
Datti Assalfiy added that political criticism should never be grounds for suspension, calling the action “an injustice to free religious expression.”
The incident has reignited debate over the role of religious leaders in speaking truth to power, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.
