Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, a young Nigerian musician sentenced to death, was accused of blasphemy in Kano State, northern Nigeria. The European Parliament demands to release him by a resolution was approved on April 20 by 550 votes in favor and only 7 against.
The text notes that “blasphemy laws clearly violate international human rights” and “is contrary to the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees religious freedom and freedom of expression.”
In 2020, Sufi Muslim Yahaya Sharif-Aminu was sentenced to death by hanging for “blasphemy.” His alleged offense by him involved sending song lyrics on WhatsApp that were deemed blasphemous against Muhammad.
With the support of the human rights legal advocacy group ADF International, Sharif-Aminu has appealed to the Nigerian Supreme Court and is challenging the constitutionality of blasphemy laws based on Sharia, a Muslim religious law.
Yahaya Sharif-Aminu remains in jail awaiting the Supreme Court to hear his appeal. The legal move could end blasphemy laws in Kano state and across northern Nigeria.
“No one should be persecuted for their faith. The blasphemy laws are a serious violation not only of international law but also of our Nigerian constitution,” said Kola Alapinni, a Nigerian lawyer representing Yahaya.
Together with ADF International, we are committed to defending Yahaya and the human rights of all Nigerians. The international community must highlight the abuses of fundamental freedoms in Nigeria,” he explained.
Along with the Muslim minority, the persecution of Christians in Nigeria is very serious. In 2021, 90% of all Christians in the world who were killed for their faith were in Nigeria.