Woman Burned to Death by Mob in Nigeria For Allegedly Blaspheming Against Prophet Mohamed

A woman has been killed by a mob in Kasuwan-Garba town, Niger State, northern Nigeria, after being accused of blaspheming against Prophet Muhammad, police said.

Local media identified the victim as Amaye, a food vendor. According to eyewitnesses, the incident began when a man jokingly proposed marriage to her, and her response was interpreted by some as blasphemous.

“Unfortunately, it led to a mob attack, and she was set ablaze before security reinforcements could arrive,” said state police spokesman Wasiu Abiodun.

Police condemned the killing as “jungle justice” and said an investigation is underway to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators. Abiodun also urged the public to remain calm and not take the law into their own hands.

Such killings are not uncommon in northern Nigeria, where blasphemy is treated as a criminal offense under Islamic (Sharia) law, which operates alongside secular law in 12 mainly Muslim states. Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have highlighted that blasphemy accusations are often weaponized to settle personal disputes, with minor disagreements escalating into mob lynching.

At least two other similar incidents have occurred in the last three years. In 2022, student Deborah Samuel was beaten and burned alive in Sokoto State after being accused of blasphemy. Last year, a butcher, Usman Buda, was stoned to death in the same state under similar circumstances.

While Nigeria’s constitution guarantees freedom of speech, the country remains deeply divided on matters of faith and justice. Nigeria’s Supreme Court has previously ruled that allegations of blasphemy must be proven in a court of law.

BBC