Corpun file 16195

Angola Press, Luanda, 21 July 2005

Governor's son to be caned for attending party in Nigeria

(extract)

Lagos, Nigeria, 07/19 - A teenage son of Zamfara state governor Ahmed Sani, who pioneered the introduction of the Islamic penal code (Sharia) in Nigeria in 2000 under the current political dispensation, will receive 13 strokes of the cane for attending a night party involving girls, the local press reported Monday.

The party was held in Gusau, capital of Zamfara.

The Upper Sharia Court in Samaru area of the state capital slammed the punishment on 13-year-old Samir Ahmed after he was found guilty of the offence under the Sharia.

Presiding judge Umar Shittu said while delivering his judgement that Islam prohibits any association involving males and females who are not legally married.

Shittu charged the boy to be of good behaviour and to emulate his father, who introduced the Islamic penal code in the state.

The boy had earlier escaped when officials of the Hisba commission, which enforces the harsh laws in the state, stormed the party venue.

But when the governor was informed that his son was at the party, he directed his security aides to arrest the boy and take him to the commission so he can be prosecuted.

It is not clear how soon the punishment will be carried out or whether the boy can appeal the ruling.

Meanwhile, Deputy governor Shinkafi Mamuda has denied a report that a daughter of his was also at the party.