Cleric caution media against publicising crimes
By Ahmed Ahmed
An Islamic scholar, Prof. Muhammad Rijiyar-Lemu, has cautioned media houses to desist from giving publicity to criminal activities and immoral acts, warning that such coverage can inadvertently glorify crime and encourage others to follow suit.
Speaking at the 2025 Ramadan Tafseer at Gwallaga Mosque, Bauchi, on Monday Rijiyar Lemu stated that airing or publishing detailed accounts of criminal activities allows criminals to gain undue recognition.
He argued that media organizations and security operatives should avoid compelling suspects to disclose the graphic details of their crimes, as this practice could influence others to escalate their criminal behavior.
The scholar emphasized that Islam frowns upon the glorification of crimes and immoral acts through excessive media coverage.
He urged media organisations to shift their focus towards publicising the punishments for crimes rather than the crimes themselves, so as to deter potential offenders from engaging in unlawful activities.
“It is now very common to hear or read about victims and culprits of crimes such as sodomy, incest, prostitution, and rape, giving graphic details of their actions on radio, television, or print media.
“Publicizing such accounts makes these crimes appear attractive to dubious minds, leading to their increase in society,”he said.
Prof. Rijiyar Lemu called on journalists and media practitioners to exercise restraint and ethical responsibility in their reporting to avoid incurring the wrath of Allah (SWA).
