These are the first death sentences for blasphemy handed down by a Nigerian Sharia court; those delivered for other offences have not been carried out. Mr Inyass is a preacher at a local faction of the Tijaniya sect, founded in Senegal by Sheikh Ibrahim Niasse, which has a large following across West Africa. He was reported to have said that “Niasse was bigger than Prophet Muhammad” during a lecture at an event in May, leading to violent protests in the city. The BBC’s Yusuf Ibrahim Yakasai in Kano says he then fled to the capital, Abuja, and nine of his followers were arrested for their alleged part in organising the event. When they were arraigned in court, there were further clashes and the courthouse was set on fire, he says. Four of the followers were acquitted and the five sentenced to death are appealing against their conviction at the state’s high court. Mr Inyass, whose five-month trial was held in secret for security reasons, will also be able to appeal against the verdict at a the high court.]]>