JIBWIS Suspends Sheikh Alkali Over Anti-Tinubu Sermon in Yobe

Tension is brewing in Yobe State after the Jos faction of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS) suspended prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Alkali Abubakar Salihu Zaria, from delivering his Ramadan Tafseer at Mokas Mosque in Damaturu.

The decision followed a sermon in which the cleric openly criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, North-West governors, and public officials over worsening insecurity in the region.

The suspension reportedly came after a meeting led by the National Chairman of the JIBWIS Council of Ulama, Muhammad Sani Yahaya Jingir, alongside state and local leaders of the group.

According to insiders, Sheikh Alkali was accused of using strongly worded statements against political figures and addressing insecurity in a way considered inconsistent with the organisation’s methodology.

During his Ramadan sermons, the cleric condemned kidnappings and banditry, lamenting what he described as a lack of political will among leaders. He warned that society is becoming paralysed by fear of powerful individuals.

Reacting to his suspension on Facebook, Sheikh Alkali said he accepted the decision in good faith and urged his followers to remain calm and steadfast. He also described Jingir as not just a religious leader but a father figure.

The development has since sparked conversations about free speech, religious influence, and the growing intersection between politics and the pulpit in Nigeria.