Table of Contents
- Call for Release
- Threats Against Yahaya
- Previous Resolutions
- Opinion Article
- Supreme Court Appeal
- Background Information
The European Parliament has urged for the swift release of Nigerian Sufi musician, Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, who faces blasphemy accusations linked to a song about Prophet Mohammed.
The EU Parliament’s freedom of religion group, EU FORB Intergroup, made this demand in a post on its official X account, as noted by DAILY POST.
As per the post, a government lawyer (name withheld) recently threatened to execute the young man, who had sung and shared the lyrics of his song about the Prophet Muhammad in a WhatsApp group.
“Our request as the Intergroup FORB: release him! Yahaya’s case has been on our radar for years,” part of the post stated.
The group also indicated that the European Parliament had “previously passed two resolutions urging Nigeria to abolish the death penalty and release him immediately, the most recent being from February 2025. Therefore, we feel compelled to reiterate our call!”
In a similar vein, an opinion piece published on a US platform, NEWSWEEK, by global religious freedom advocate Sean Nelson, cited an alleged Kano government lawyer stating, “This man will be executed.”
According to Reuters, Nigeria’s Supreme Court recently granted permission for lawyers representing Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, a musician sentenced to death for alleged blasphemy, to file an appeal beyond the legally mandated timeframe.
In February 2020, Yahaya, a resident of Kano State, shared the lyrics of a song he composed regarding his faith in a private WhatsApp group, which incited considerable outrage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the accusations against Yahaya Sharif-Aminu?
Yahaya Sharif-Aminu has been accused of blasphemy for sharing a song about Prophet Mohammed in a private WhatsApp group.
What action has the European Parliament taken?
The European Parliament has called for his immediate release and has previously issued resolutions urging Nigeria to abolish the death penalty.
What did a Kano government lawyer say about Yahaya's fate?
An alleged Kano government lawyer stated, "This man will be executed," indicating the severity of the accusations against him.
