Kaduna State passes bill to grant License to Pastors, Imams before Preaching

The Religious Preaching Regulation law, 1984, has been passed into law by the Kaduna State House of Assembly, three years after it faced serious criticism from religious bodies and individuals.

Speaker, Alhaji Aminu Abdullahi Shagali revealed that a state inter-faith Regulatory council has been established. The chairman of the council will be appointed by the Governor on the recommendation for the Secretary to the state.

Also to be appointed by the Governor of Kaduna State are two members of the Muslim and Christian faith.

According to the bill, a restriction is placed on playing religious cassette or uses a loudspeaker for religious purposes between the hours of 11 pm to 4 am in a public place. Also, the use of a loudspeaker for religious purposes other than inside Church or Mosque commits is now an offence.

Offenders are to face imprisonment for a term of not less than two years or pay a fine of less than N200,000.00 or both.

The bill also prohibits people from publicly insulting or seeking to incite contempt of any religion, by making false statements in such a manner that might lead to a breach of peace. Such persons shall be punished with imprisonment for a term of not less than five years a fine of not less than N100,000.00 or both.