Unchained Vibes Africa Reaffirms Support for Yahaya Sharif-Aminu Following Supreme Court Appeal Ruling

Lagos, Nigeria – September 30, 2025: Unchained Vibes Africa welcomes the September 25 ruling of Nigeria’s Supreme Court granting leave for a late appeal in the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, an upcoming Kano-based singer sentenced to death for alleged blasphemy.

In 2020, Yahaya’s spontaneous singing and freestyling in response to a debate in a WhatsApp group sparked heated arguments which some interpreted as blasphemous. He was later arrested, tried under Sharia law, and handed a death sentence. The death sentence drew widespread criticism for violating his rights to free expression, fair trial and human dignity.

 

Since then, Unchained Vibes Africa has played a central role in supporting Yahaya’s legal appeal and mobilizing advocacy for his release. The Court’s recent decision marks a crucial step towards ensuring his right to due process under Nigeria’s constitution and international human rights law.

“Justice cannot be denied on technical grounds,” said Unchained Vibes Africa’s Executive Producer Ayodele Ganiu. “Yahaya’s case is not just about one young singer; it is about the future of artistic freedom and free expression in Nigeria. We will continue to stand with Yahaya until his rights are protected and justice is delivered.”

 

This case highlights the urgent need for Nigeria to uphold constitutional guarantees and international obligations on human rights. UVA calls on the judiciary to act with independence and courage, and on civil society to sustain solidarity until justice is done.