European Parliament Demands Immediate Release of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu And Abolition Of Blasphemy Laws In Nigeria

Brussels, 12 February 2025 – Unchained Vibes Africa (UVA) welcomes the European Parliament’s resolution condemning the continued detention and potential death sentence of Nigerian singer Yahaya Sharif-Aminu. The resolution calls on Nigerian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Sharif-Aminu and abolish blasphemy laws that violate international human rights standards.

In August 2020, Sharif-Aminu was sentenced to death by hanging by an Upper Sharia Court in Kano State for allegedly composing and sharing song lyrics deemed derogatory to the Prophet Muhammad. His trial was marred by a lack of legal representation, and his family faced threats and harassment. Although a retrial was ordered in 2021 and an appeal was filed in 2022, the case remains pending before Nigeria’s Supreme Court. Reports indicate that Sharif-Aminu’s health has deteriorated due to poor prison conditions and inadequate medical care.

The European Parliament’s resolution underscores that Nigeria’s blasphemy laws contravene its international obligations, the African Charter, and its own constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion and expression. It also raises concerns about others imprisoned under similar charges, urging their immediate release and an end to the use of blasphemy laws as a tool for persecution.

Key demands of the resolution include:

• The immediate and unconditional release of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu and all individuals imprisoned on blasphemy charges.
• The repeal of blasphemy laws, which contradict Nigeria’s constitutional and international human rights commitments.
• A nationwide moratorium on executions, with a long-term goal of abolishing the death penalty.
• Legal accountability for individuals who incite mob violence or make false blasphemy accusations.
• Diplomatic monitoring of Sharif-Aminu’s legal proceedings by EU representatives.

UVA has been at the forefront of efforts to secure Sharif-Aminu’s release, coordinating advocacy campaigns, mobilizing local and international human rights organizations, sponsoring legal appeals, and providing emergency assistance. UVA’s legal adviser, Kola Alapinni, was present at the EU Parliament during the passage of the resolution.

The resolution calls on the EU and its member states to maintain diplomatic pressure on Nigeria to ensure justice, due process, and respect for human rights.

Signed
Sola Alamutu
Advocacy Manager