A prominent Islamic scholar, Professor Muhammad Sani Umar Rijiyar Lemu, has cautioned the media and security operatives against excessively publicising criminal activities, warning that it could inadvertently encourage crime.
Speaking during the 2025 Ramadan Tafsir at Gwallaga Juma’at Mosque, Bauchi, the scholar argued that sensationalised reporting of criminal acts often glorifies perpetrators and inspires others to escalate their crimes.
“When criminals are given a platform to detail their methods, it educates and emboldens others to follow suit. Instead, media focus should be on the consequences of crime, such as punishments, to deter would-be offenders,” he said.
He further said, “It has become increasingly common to hear or read detailed accounts of crimes such as sodomy, incest, prostitution, lesbianism, and rape on radio, television, or in newspapers. These reports, often promoted by journalists or security operatives, provide graphic details of such incidents.
“Publicising these accounts can inadvertently make such crimes appealing to certain individuals with dubious intentions, leading to a rise in immoral acts within society. It is essential to allow the law to take its course without unnecessarily sensationalizing or glorifying these offences,” he said.
Professor Rijiyar Lemu cited Islamic teachings that condemn the glorification of immorality and urged media practitioners to exercise restraint.
He said responsible journalism should prioritise ethical considerations over sensationalism.