Islamic extremist gets death sentence in Nigeria

October 11, 2006

KANO, Nigeria (AP)–An Islamic extremist has been convicted of inciting religious riots that killed thousands in Nigerian two decades ago and sentenced to death, Nigerian media reported Wednesday.

In finding Musa Ali Suleiman guilty Tuesday at a trial in the high court in the northern Nigerian state of Adamawa, Judge Bamari Bansi said religious freedom should not be interpreted to mean freedom to kill others.His lawyer, Innocent Adagba, said Suleiman would appeal.”From the evidence before this court, I find you guilty on the three count charge of criminal conspiracy, inciting public disturbance and culpable homicide,” Bansi was quoted as saying.

Suleiman was sentenced to be caned, fined and hung for his part in leading religious riots in northern Nigeria in 1984. He reportedly convinced his disciples they would go to heaven if they killed infidels or were killed while trying. Over 3,000 people were reported to have died during his campaign.Suleiman fled to Cameroon but returned to the country in 2003 and was arrested in Abuja, the capital. He has been on trial since 2004.