An Islamic Cleric, Abdulazeez Dauda, has been sentenced to death by hanging by a Sharia Court in Kano State for insulting the Prophet Muhammed.
The sentence of Mr Dauda, a popular preacher also known as Abdul Inyass, comes after being convicted in a secret trial.
He is said to belong to the Tijaniya sect, which members are said to spread across West Africa.
He was said to have made the blasphemous statement during a lecture organised by members of the sect in may 2015, which triggered violent protests in the city.
When nine of the members were eventually arraigned in court, further protests broke out leading to the courthouse being set ablaze.
Four of them were subsequently acquitted with five sentenced to death, but appeal against their conviction at the state’s High Court.
Mr Dauda is expected to also appeal against his sentence at the High Court.