Supreme Court Hears Appeal of Musician Sentenced to Death for Blasphemy in Kano as Global Pressure Mounts
By: Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that the Supreme Court of Nigeria is set to hear a historic appeal on September 25 in the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, a young Sufi Muslim musician sentenced to death in 2020 by a Kano State Sharia court for alleged blasphemy.
OTN News further reports as gathered that Sharif-Aminu was convicted after sharing song lyrics on WhatsApp deemed offensive by local authorities. Before his arrest, an angry mob burned down his home in Kano.
The sentence sparked international outrage, with rights groups condemning Nigeria’s blasphemy laws as incompatible with fundamental freedoms.
OTN News recalls that in 2021, the Kano State High Court overturned the conviction on procedural grounds, including the denial of legal representation, but controversially ordered a retrial.
The Court of Appeal upheld that decision in 2022, leaving Sharif-Aminu at risk of facing the death penalty again.
His legal team has now turned to the Supreme Court, seeking not only his release but also a ruling that declares Kano’s death penalty for blasphemy unconstitutional.
Also, the International rights group, ADF International is backing the defense, arguing that the case could challenge blasphemy laws across northern Nigeria and set a precedent for religious freedom nationwide.
“No one should face death for peacefully sharing song lyrics,” said Kelsey Zorzi, the group’s Director of Advocacy for Global Religious Freedom, describing the hearing as a critical step toward justice.
The ADF International’s Legal Counsel, Sean Nelson, emphasized the broader implications, saying, “this case could determine whether Nigerians can live free from fear under unjust blasphemy laws.”
The case has drawn global attention. The European Parliament has passed multiple resolutions, most recently in 2025, demanding Sharif-Aminu’s release and urging Nigeria to abolish blasphemy laws.
The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has also described his imprisonment as a violation of international law.
Human rights lawyer, Kola Alapinni, expressed hope that the Supreme Court will uphold constitutional protections.
“It is time to end the misuse of blasphemy laws that harm religious minorities and undermine freedom of expression,” he said.
OTN News observes from experts opinion that Nigeria is one of only seven countries where blasphemy remains punishable by death, making this case potentially historic.
OTN News, however, observes that a ruling in Sharif-Aminu’s favour could not only secure his freedom but also render blasphemy laws unenforceable, expanding protections for religious minorities nationwide.
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