A Catholic priest has expressed outrage after an Imam allegedly placed a monetary bounty on the head of a pastor over claims of blasphemy against Prophet Mohammed.
The Imam was reported to have initially offered one million naira for anyone who could carry out the act, before later increasing the amount to two million naira. He also allegedly boasted publicly about remaining free after issuing the threat.
Reacting to the development, Catholic priest Father Kelvin Ugwu condemned the situation, drawing parallels with the killing of a student, Deborah, who was attacked by her classmates over alleged blasphemy.
Ugwu stated that Deborah was brutally killed by fellow students who accused her of making offensive remarks about their prophet, noting that the incident was recorded and widely circulated.
He further expressed concern that despite arrests made in connection with the killing, a large number of lawyers reportedly appeared in court to defend the suspects. According to him, at least 34 lawyers represented the individuals linked to the case.
The priest lamented that the case appears to have faded from public attention, alleging that those arrested were eventually released and are now walking freely.
He also criticised what he described as a pattern of inaction, noting that the Imam who allegedly issued the recent threat has not been apprehended despite making public statements.
Ugwu said the cleric not only made the initial declaration but later returned to increase the bounty and challenge authorities to take action against him.
He questioned the apparent lack of accountability, suggesting that such developments raise serious concerns about justice and the rule of law in the country.
The priest expressed deep frustration over the situation, describing it as troubling and calling for urgent attention from relevant authorities.
