New Delhi

After his name figuring in the efforts to save the life of a Malayalee nurse Nimish Priya who is sentenced to death in Yemen for the murder of her business partner, India’s grand Mufti Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, has released a statement to set the record straight.

Kanthapuram A. P. Aboobacker Musliyar alias Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad is an elected leader of Sunni Muslims. He is also the General Secretary of the All India Muslim Scholars Association and the Founder and Vice-Chancellor of Jamia Markaz. 

Popularly known as Abul Aytam, (Father of Orphans) for his humanitarian work, particularly with orphans, the Kerala-based Islamic scholar said it was only a week before the scheduled date of Nimisha Priya’s hanging that he intervened in the matter. It may be recalled that her execution has been postponed.

He was approached by Kerala MLA and former chief minister Oommen Chandy to save the life of Nimisha.

Following is his statement:

"Puthuppally MLA Mr. Chandy Oommen approached me last Friday, requesting intervention in the case of Nimisha Priya, a Malayali nurse currently facing a death sentence in a Yemeni prison. He made this request based on the belief that I have close ties with Sufi scholars in Yemen.

"I decided to intervene in this matter with the firm conviction that it is a national responsibility to seek a humane resolution when an Indian citizen awaits execution in a foreign country.

"India has, in the past, seen positive outcomes from similar interventions in Gulf countries and beyond. Given that Yemen is a region with which India presently has limited diplomatic engagement, I felt that such an effort is indeed required of us.

"With this background, I discussed the issue with my close friend and globally renowned Sufi scholar from Tarim, Yemen—Habib Umar bin Hafeez, who holds significant influence among Yemeni Muslims. Upon receiving the information, he immediately expressed readiness to look into the matter officially and assured that a response would follow without delay.

"His office contacted the North Yemeni authorities and the victim’s family, initiating reconciliation efforts. Simultaneously, he began consultations with judges and legal experts known to him to explore the legal avenues available to delay the execution.

"A crucial development in this matter was the emergency meeting held recently in North Yemen on the recommendation of Sheikh Habib Umar. The meeting was attended by Habib Abdurrahman Ali Mashhoor (representative of Habib Umar), officials from the Yemeni government, the Supreme Judge of the Criminal Court in Sanaa, the brother of the deceased Talal, and tribal leaders.

"During the discussion, Talal's family stated that they would consult further and clarify their position.

"Today was a particularly decisive day. Discussions continued in the morning with tribal leaders, members of Talal’s legal committee, and family members. Until a final decision is reached, the delegation led by Habib Abdurrahman Mashhoor will remain in Dhamar, North Yemen, where Talal’s family resides.

"Efforts are ongoing to bring about a unified opinion within the family.

"Meanwhile, Justice Mohammed bin Ameen, a close relative of the deceased Talal, Chief Justice of the Hodeidah State Court, and a member of the Yemeni Shura Council, entered the discussion at the suggestion of Sheikh Habib Umar.

Order of the Yemeni Court postponing hanging of Nimisha Priya

"He worked to facilitate an understanding among the family members to request a stay of execution, and the matter was formally brought before the court yesterday. Subsequently, the court issued a ruling to postpone the scheduled execution.

"This case has been highly sensitive and emotionally charged among the tribal communities of North Yemen. Until now, it had not even been possible to initiate communication with the victim’s family. The fact that dialogue has now been established, and that prominent figures in Yemen’s legal system have stepped in due to Sheikh Habib Umar’s concern, gives us real hope.

"As per the judgment copy signed by Judge Rizwan Ahmed Al-Wajri and Swari Mudeen Mufaddal of the Special Criminal Court of the Yemeni Public Prosecution, the execution that was scheduled to take place tomorrow (16 July 2025) has now been postponed to a later date.

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"Further discussions with the family and continuous efforts to secure clemency must continue. What has been achieved so far is the result of collective efforts, tireless attempts, and sincere prayers.

"The progress made so far has been officially communicated to the Office of Prime Minister Narendra Modi."

Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad

Grand Mufti of India

15 July 2025