Alleged Blasphemy: Angry Demonstrators Attempt Burning Sultan of Sokoto’s Palace

The city of Sokoto has been the scene of violent protests today, as protesters threw stones and attempted to burn Sultan of Sokoto’s palace.

Groups of youths were seen on the streets, chanting songs and urging security agents to release the arrested persons.


The protesters burnt tyres on popular Ahmadu Bello Way, Emir Yahaya road, Kanwuri and other streets, forcing shop owners to close midday while most streets became empty.


It was gathered that Sultan of Sokoto’s Palace was not spared by the demonstrators as well.

“A combined team of security men, led by State’s Police Commissioner, Mr Kamaludden Okunlola, however, deployed to the palace while protesters threw stones and attempted to burn the palace,”

The protests were caused by an alleged religious blasphemy made by a student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, against Islamic religion through a social media channel.

The student, Deborah Yakubu, was killed in a mob outrage during students’ unrest, but the state government immediately closed down the school while police announced the arrest of two persons in connection with the incident.

Gov. Aminu Tambuwal had already impoed 24 hours curfew to contain the rising protests across township streets.