The murder of Deborah Samuel, a student at Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, has drawn national outrage and highlighted the pervasive issue of jungle justice in Nigeria. Deborah’s criticism of religious spam in a WhatsApp group was met with violence by students claiming to defend Prophet Mohammed, ultimately leading to her death. This act raises crucial legal and ethical questions surrounding religious provocation, Islamic jurisprudence, and Nigerian law.
From a legal standpoint, the students who participated in Deborah’s murder could potentially invoke the defence of provocation. Under Nigerian law, specifically the court’s interpretation in R. v. Daffy and Ahmed v. State, provocation can apply when an act causes a reasonable person to lose self-control temporarily. However, a litmus test must determine whether Deborah’s actions were sufficient to justify the extreme reaction of her attackers. Given the circumstances, it is highly unlikely that her response warranted such violence, as her remarks did not meet the threshold for triggering such a reaction under Nigerian law.
In Islamic legal jurisprudence, the situation is further complicated. Islamic teachings, especially in Koran 6:68, advise Muslims to turn away from those perceived to commit blasphemy rather than react with violence. This principle, which emphasizes restraint, is echoed in the case of Abubakar Dan Shalla v. State. The court, in this ruling, stipulated that only a court of competent jurisdiction can punish someone for blasphemy. Furthermore, it emphasized that any such punishment applies only to sane and mature Muslims who commit blasphemy against Prophet Mohammed. Deborah, being a Christian, was excluded from these provisions, meaning that the students acted outside both Nigerian and Islamic legal frameworks.
By taking the law into their own hands, the perpetrators violated Nigerian criminal law. They face charges of criminal conspiracy, abetment, and culpable homicide, all of which are outlined in sections 97, 85, and 221(a) of the Penal Code. These sections emphasize the gravity of their crimes, as mob justice is both illegal and punishable under Nigerian law. Moreover, their actions further infringe on the integrity of religious jurisprudence by disregarding the essential principles of due process and lawful punishment.
The tragic death of Deborah Samuel has reignited discussions about the dangerous intersection of religious fervor and lawlessness in Nigeria. The senseless violence perpetrated by those who claimed to defend their faith has undermined the rule of law and exposed deep societal flaws. As Nigeria grapples with issues of religious tolerance and justice, this case stands as a reminder of the urgent need to reform both legal education and religious understanding in the country to prevent such atrocities from occurring again.
In conclusion, Deborah’s murder highlights the dangers of jungle justice and religious extremism in Nigeria. The students involved acted not only against Nigerian legal principles but also against the tenets of Islamic law, which they claimed to uphold. As the nation mourns, it must also confront the systemic issues that allow such acts of violence to persist, demanding accountability and reform to ensure justice and peace for all citizens, regardless of faith.
