Nigerian State Lawyer Threatens to Publicly Execute Young Man for Sending a Song on WhatsApp  

  • After more than five years’ imprisonment, a first hearing for Yahaya Sharif-Aminu’s WhatsApp blasphemy case was held at the Nigerian Supreme Court; State lawyer declares “we will execute him publicly”

  • ADF International is supporting Yahaya in his fight for justice and the repeal of Nigeria’s blasphemy laws.

ABUJA (26 September 2025) – Yesterday, the Supreme Court of Nigeria held its first hearing in the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, a young Sufi musician sentenced to death in 2020 in Kano State, Nigeria, for allegedly sharing song lyrics on WhatsApp deemed blasphemous. This marks the first step in his appeal before the country’s highest court, more than five years after his imprisonment. The Supreme Court permitted Sharif-Aminu’s appeal to move forward. 

Directly following the hearing, Lamido Abba Sorondinki, counsel for the Kano State government, spoke explicitly about the state’s intention to publicly execute Sharif-Aminu, should the Supreme Court rule in Kano State’s favor: “This applicant made blasphemous statements against the Holy Prophet, which the government of Kano State will not condone. If the Supreme Court upholds the lower court’s decision, we will execute him publicly.” This chilling statement underscores the extreme severity of northern Nigeria’s blasphemy laws, which continue to threaten the lives of religious minorities and silence free expression. 

“The Supreme Court of Nigeria has before it a matter of literal life or death. Absolutely no one should face the death penalty for peacefully sharing song lyrics. In a severe violation of his fundamental human rights, Yahaya has languished in prison for more than five years for a peaceful WhatsApp message"

- Sean Nelson, Legal Counsel for ADF International

“The Supreme Court of Nigeria has before it a matter of literal life or death. Absolutely no one should face the death penalty for peacefully sharing song lyrics. In a severe violation of his fundamental human rights, Yahaya has languished in prison for more than five years for a peaceful WhatsApp message,” said Sean Nelson, Legal Counsel for ADF International. “Yesterday’s Supreme Court hearing is the next step in earning justice for him and protecting his right to free expression and religious freedom, and in turn, that of every person in Nigeria. This case goes beyond one young man. It is about whether millions of Nigerians can live free from fear under unjust blasphemy laws.”  

“For far too long, blasphemy laws have wrongfully been used to persecute and harm religious minorities. It is time for the court to make a decision that upholds the right to religious freedom in Nigeria,” said Kola Alapinni, Nigerian Human Rights Lawyer and lead counsel for Yahaya Sharif-Aminu. 

Background 

In March 2020, Yahaya-Sharif Aminu, a Sufi Muslim from Kano State, shared song lyrics on WhatsApp that some considered blasphemous. Local authorities arrested him, while a mob burned his home to the ground. On 10 August 2020, a Sharia court convicted him of blasphemy and sentenced him to death by hanging.  

In January 2021, the court overturned the conviction, citing serious procedural flaws, including the lack of legal representation during his original trial. However, the High Court ordered a retrial, in which Sharif-Aminu would face the same death penalty blasphemy law. After an appellate court upheld the retrial order in 2022, Yahaya Sharif-Aminu appealed to the Supreme Court of Nigeria.  

Sharif-Aminu has remained in prison for over five years and is currently awaiting justice from the Supreme Court.  Sharif-Aminu, in his appeal, is now asking the court not only to free him, but also to declare Kano State’s death penalty blasphemy law unconstitutional, arguing that it violates Nigeria’s own constitution and international commitments to protect freedom of religion and expression. 

Blasphemy Laws in Nigeria

Nigeria’s blasphemy laws, particularly enforced in the country’s northern region, inflict severe punishments including the death penalty. International human rights groups have repeatedly called for their repeal. Yahaya’s case before the Supreme Court highlights the urgent need for reform to protect freedom of religion and belief. 

Yahaya’s Supreme Court appeal has the potential to overturn Northern Nigeria’s draconian Sharia-based blasphemy laws, thus enabling Christian converts, minority Muslims, and others, a greater chance to freely speak about their faith and be protected from the often-life-threatening violence that accompanies a blasphemy accusation. 

The European Parliament has already called for Yahaya’s release twice by adopting an urgency resolution in his case. It is rare for the European Parliament to raise the same case twice, demonstrating the gravity and importance of the situation facing Yahaya. The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has similarly determined that Yahaya’s imprisonment is in violation of internationally-recognized human rights. Earlier this year, the regional West African treaty court, the ECOWAS Court, ruled that Nigeria’s blasphemy laws violate international law and the African Charter, calling for the blasphemy laws’ repeal. The ECOWAS Court based its decision in significant part on Yahaya Sharif-Aminu’s case. 

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US State Department Panel Decries Censorship at UN High-Level Week

UN undermines parents' rights by pushing gender ideology.
  • Free speech experts raise concerns about the rise of free speech violations across Europe and UK to the UN
  • ADF International’s Kelsey Zorzi underscores global threats to free speech, citing EU Digital Services Act.
UN undermines parents' rights by pushing gender ideology.

NEW YORK CITY (Sept 25) – In a significant show of concern, the U.S. State Department hosted a panel discussion at United Nations High-Level week on Thursday. Experts addressed rising global censorship, highlighting the UK and Europe. Kelsey Zorzi, Director of Advocacy for Global Religious Freedom with ADF International, highlighting growing threats to free speech across the world.

“With hundreds of active cases in dozens of countries across six continents, we have a unique vantage point from which a clear picture has emerged: censorship is becoming more aggressive, more coordinated, and more global,” said Zorzi.

“Censorship is becoming more aggressive, more coordinated, and more global."

- Kelsey Zorzi, Director of Advocacy for Global Religious Freedom at ADF International

The panel, on the margins of the UN High-Level Week before the 80th Session of the General Assembly, follows a hearing before the House Judiciary Committee of the US Congress, where ADF International similarly warned US lawmakers of the threat of censorship growing across Europe.

Escalating Censorship Across the World

Zorzi described the state of censorship in the EU as “highly concerning.” She highlighted the case of Päivi Räsänen, a sitting Finnish Parliamentarian facing criminal prosecution for tweeting a Bible verse, now before Finland’s Supreme Court.  ADF International is coordinating Rasanen’s legal defence.

Another major concern raised  was the reality that Europe is exporting censorship worldwide through the EU Digital Services Act (DSA), including to the United States.

Zorzi stated the following on the censorial impact of the DSA:

 “The DSA is a brazen attempt to create a global Censorship Industrial Complex, not only for the EU but for the entire digital world. It is imposed on all platforms used by Europeans, regardless of where those companies are based. Any content found objectionable under EU rules may be banned everywhere.

“While EU regulators have denied that the DSA promotes censorship within Europe or abroad, just this week, in response to investigations carried out by the U.S. House Judiciary Committee, the internet giant Google expressed its own concerns that ‘the DSA may pose [risks] to freedom of expression within and outside of the European Union.’

“We’ve also already seen just how far governments will go in censoring online speech, and there is no reason to believe that EU regulators wielding the enormous bureaucratic power of the DSA would have any more restraint.

“The UK already arrests 12,000 people every year—over 32 people a day—for allegedly offensive online posts. The Brazilian Supreme Court has recently held that digital platforms like X should be held directly liable for posts allegedly constituting “hate speech” if they are not removed, a decision that has led, in part, to the U.S. placing sanctions on Brazilian officials. EU officials have previously even threatened X with massive fines merely for hosting a conversation with then-Presidential candidate Donald Trump.

“In a similar manner to the EU, the UK has embarked on the path of online censorship with the introduction of the so-called ‘Online Safety Act’ which is already being used to censor perfectly legitimate political speech as ‘illegal content’, like the EU’s Digital Services Act the UK’s Online Safety Act gives government regulators power to impose enormous fines on tech companies- which leads to a compliance mindset.”

Zorzi called on governments to take action, stating that, “While the current EU censorship landscape is highly concerning, the weeks ahead are critical, as the DSA comes under mandatory review this November. Many European leaders already have a vice grip on the global public square. Nations and organizations that support free speech anywhere must push back now before that vice grip becomes a chokehold.”

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Long-Awaited Hearing Scheduled for Case of Nigerian Prisoner Sentenced to Death for WhatsApp Message

  • Supreme Court of Nigeria will hold a hearing in the appeal of Yahaya-Sharif Aminu, a young musician previously sentenced to death by hanging for alleged blasphemy.
  • ADF International is supporting Sharif-Aminu’s legal defense in a case that could strike down northern Nigeria’s blasphemy laws and set a precedent for freedom of religion across the country and world. 

ABUJA (18 September 2025) – On September 25th, the first hearing in the case of Sufi Muslim Yahaya Sharif-Aminu will be held at the Supreme Court of Nigeria. A Sharia court previously sentenced him to death by hanging in 2020 after being accused of sharing allegedly “blasphemous” song lyrics on WhatsApp. Following an appeal, the Kano State High Court overturned his conviction and ordered a retrial, where he would face the same potential death penalty. ADF International is supporting Sharif-Aminu’s defense before the Supreme Court. The case holds the potential to overturn northern Nigeria’s draconian blasphemy laws.  

“No one should be punished, let alone face death, for peacefully sharing song lyrics,” said Kelsey Zorzi, Director of Advocacy for Global Religious Freedom at ADF International. “Yahaya has languished in prison for more than five years over nothing more than a WhatsApp message. This hearing is the next step to earning justice for him and protecting his right to free expression, and in turn, that of every person in Nigeria.”  

“Yahaya has languished in prison for more than five years over nothing more than a WhatsApp message.This hearing is the next step to earning justice for him and protecting his right to free expression, and in turn, that of every person in Nigeria."

- Kelsey Zorzi, Director of Advocacy for Global Religious Freedom at ADF International.

Background

In March 2020, Yahaya-Sharif Aminu, a Sufi Muslim from Kano State, shared song lyrics on WhatsApp that some considered blasphemous. Local authorities arrested him, while a mob burned his home to the ground. On 10 August 2020, a Sharia court convicted him of blasphemy and sentenced him to death by hanging. 

In January 2021, the court overturned the conviction, citing serious procedural flaws, including the lack of legal representation during his original trial. The High Court ordered a retrial, in which Sharif-Aminu would face the same death penalty blasphemy law. After an appellate court upheld the retrial order in 2022, Yahaya Sharif-Aminu appealed to the Supreme Court of Nigeria. 

“This case goes beyond one young man. It is about whether millions of Nigerians can live free from fear under unjust blasphemy laws,” said Sean Nelson, Legal Counsel for Global Religious Freedom at ADF International. “We pray that out of Yahaya’s case, we will ultimately see an end to these draconian blasphemy laws and improved protections for religious minorities, including Christians and others, in Nigeria.” 

Sharif-Aminu has remained in prison for over five years and is currently awaiting justice from the Supreme Court.  Sharif-Aminu, in his appeal, is now asking the court not only to free him, but also to declare Kano State’s death penalty blasphemy law unconstitutional, arguing that it violates Nigeria’s own constitution and international commitments to protect freedom of religion and expression. 

A ruling in Sharif-Aminu’s favor could set a precedent for the entire country, potentially rendering blasphemy laws unenforceable and protecting religious minorities from facing similar prosecutions in the future. A positive ruling would have a major effect around the world, as Nigeria is one of only seven countries in the world with a death penalty blasphemy law. 

“It is our hope that the Supreme Court will deliver justice to this young man,” said Kola Alapinni, international human rights lawyer and legal counsel for Yahaya Sharif-Aminu. “For far too long, blasphemy laws have wrongfully been used to persecute and harm religious minorities. It is time for the court to make a decision that upholds the right to religious freedom in Nigeria.” 

Global Calls for Sharif-Aminu's Release

Sharif-Aminu’s case has received international attention. In April 2023, the European Parliament issued a near-unanimous urgency resolution calling for the repeal of Nigeria’s blasphemy laws and the immediate release of Yahaya-Sharif Aminu.   

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In a rare second urgency resolution in February 2025, the Parliament reaffirmed its stance: it demanded his “immediate and unconditional release,” condemned the blasphemy law, and urged Nigeria to lead by example in abolishing blasphemy laws that threaten religious minorities  

The United Nations also weighed in on Sharif-Aminu’s imprisonment, publicly demanding his release in May 2024. In late 2024, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention issued a thorough opinion finding Sharif-Aminu’s case in violation of multiple internationally-protected human rights and calling for his immediate release.  

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UN Expert: Vilification of Parents Protecting Children From Gender Transition is “Disturbing” 

Reem Alsalem, UN Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women and Girls
  • Reem Alsalem, UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women & Girls, speaks up for parents who have been left “vilified, ostracised or even separated from their children” because of their concerns about child “transition”
     
  • UN Expert joined by detransitioner Chloe Cole, urging governments to empower parents to protect children from life-altering medical interventions

GENEVA (8 September 2025) – The UN Expert on Violence Against Women and Girls, Reem Alsalem, has issued a moving appeal to governments to end the vilification of parents who protect their children from “gender transition” procedures. 

Speaking via video, Alsalem warned against the “dangerous narrative” that children can make fully informed adult-level decisions about their health. “Parents and legal guardians must be part of these processes from the very beginning. Yet, in many countries, parents who do not want to endorse a ‘gender-affirmative’ approach to their children’s distress have too often been left unsupported at best, or vilified, ostracized, or even separated from their children. This is very disturbing…” she said.  

"...parents who do not want to endorse a ‘gender-affirmative’ approach to their children’s distress have too often been... vilified, ostracized, or even separated from their children."

- Reem Alsalem, UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women & Girls

Addressing a panel coordinated by ADF International at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Alsalem was joined by detransitioner and campaigner Chloe Cole, who urged global leaders to strengthen the role of parents and shield children from harmful medical interventions and ideological pressures. 

“I appeal to you: we must ensure these failures are never again repeated and that childhood is truly protected as the fragile and yet beautiful part of life that it is,” said Cole, who underwent gender transition procedures as a teenager before detransitioning. 

An Appeal to Empower Parents

Cole, a detransitioner and youth activist from California, described undergoing medical interventions – including puberty blockers and testosterone starting at age 13, and a double mastectomy at 15 – before her body and brain were fully developed. 

“My mom and dad have always advocated fiercely for my safety and health, but were not empowered to fulfill their irreplaceable role as guardians of my well-being. On the contrary, their protective instincts were undermined by systems and professionals who claimed expertise but withheld the truth. They stood no chance when doctors gave them the false ultimatum of choosing between losing a daughter to suicide or having a living ‘son’,” Cole told State and UN representatives gathered at the Human Rights Council in Geneva. 

Cole’s testimony was featured as part of a UN Human Rights Council side event titled “Empowering Parents to Protect Children’s Health and Well-being,” co-hosted by the Permanent Mission of Hungary to the UN in Geneva and ADF International, with sponsorship from the Permanent Missions of The Gambia, Algeria, Argentina, Qatar, Vaunatu, and Uzbekistan; as well as Non-Governmental Organisations including Juristes pour l’Enfance, Asociacion la Familia Importa, Latter Day Saints Charities, the Center for Fundamental Rights, and The Heritage Foundation. 

Adding to the call, Giorgio Mazzoli, Director of UN Advocacy at ADF International, reminded participants that international law recognizes the family as the “fundamental group unit of society »:

« The family must not be viewed as a competitor to the State, nor parents as obstacles to children’s rights. They are the children’s first and best guardians—entrusted by nature and recognized by law. »

Mazzoli called on governments to implement policies that respect parental guidance in education, healthcare, and identity-related decisions, ensuring that children receive care in the context of loving, informed families. 

The panel also included Dr. Fanni Lajkó of Hungary’s Center for Fundamental Rights, who highlighted Hungary’s best practices for strengthening families, including reduced household costs, subsidized home loans, and generous child-raising allowances.  

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Pictured: Reem Alsalem; Chloe Cole; Giorgio Mazzoli

Brazilian Mother Denied Right to Homeschool Despite International Law 

Regiane Cichelero wants to homeschool her son.
    • Brazilian state court ruled against Regiane Cichelero, a mother who sought to homeschool her son. 
        
    • ADF International decries the decision as a violation of international human rights law protecting parental rights in education.
Regiane Cichelero wants to homeschool her son.

Santa Catarina, BRAZIL (September 4, 2025) — The highest court in the state of Santa Catarina denied the right of Brazilian mother Regiane Cichelero to homeschool her son, ruling that he must be enrolled in an officially accredited school. The decision also upholds financial penalties against her, totaling around $20,000 USD. Regiane will appeal the decision and bring the case to the highest court in the nation. 

“This decision is a disappointing setback for parental rights in Brazil. International human rights law is clear: parents have the right to choose the kind of education their children receive. By deciding that Regiane cannot homeschool her son, the court has not only failed her family but also undermined protections for all parents across Brazil"

- Julio Pohl, Legal Counsel for Latin America at ADF International

“This decision is a disappointing setback for parental rights in Brazil,” said Julio Pohl, legal counsel for Latin America at ADF International, which coordinated Cichelero’s legal defense. “International human rights law is clear: parents have the right to choose the kind of education their children receive. By deciding that Regiane cannot homeschool her son, the court has not only failed her family but also undermined protections for all parents across Brazil.” 

Cichelero began homeschooling her son in 2020 after schools closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. When schools reopened, she chose to continue home education, believing it to be the best way to provide quality instruction consistent with her family’s religious values. 

In response, local authorities fined her heavily and threatened to remove her son from her custody if she did not comply with state schooling mandates. With today’s ruling, the court has rejected her appeal and imposed compulsory school enrollment. 

Background

Over 70,000 children are currently homeschooled in Brazil. International human rights law protects the rights of parents to make choices concerning the type of education their children receive. 

Article 26.3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children.” In addition, Article 13 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights requires states to respect the right of parents “to choose for their children schools, other than those established by the public authorities, which conform to such minimum educational standards as may be laid down or approved by the State and to ensure the religious and moral education of their children in conformity with their own convictions.” 

Following today’s decision, Cichelero said: “It is heartbreaking to be told that I cannot provide my son with the education I know is best for him. The state’s decision not only punishes me with heavy fines but also strip me of the ability to raise my child according to my convictions. No parent should have to fear punishment for choosing the best education for their child.” 

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European Legal Expert to U.S. Congress: “Protect Free Speech from European Censorship”

    • International free speech expert warns U.S. lawmakers that Europe’s Digital Services Act (DSA) threatens American free speech and risks establishing a worldwide online censorship regime.
    • ADF International is committed to challenging violations of free speech resulting from the DSA and building critical momentum to repeal or substantially reform this censorial framework.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a testimony before Congress, Lorcán Price, Legal Counsel with ADF International and an Irish barrister, warned that Europe’s Digital Services Act (DSA) threatens free speech far beyond the EU. Speaking before the House Judiciary Committee, chaired by Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), he said the law could force large online platforms to censor peaceful expression, putting free speech at risk in America and worldwide.

“What is happening in Europe is as Vice President Vance said in Munich, a ‘serious retreat from a fundamental value’- free speech,” Price said in his testimony. “It’s a sign that our European political elite has lost control of the narrative, and the Digital Services Act is part of a system of censorship in an increasing, desperate attempt to control narratives and suppress growing public discontent.”

“What is happening in Europe is as Vice President Vance said in Munich, a ‘serious retreat from a fundamental value’ - free speech. It’s a sign that our European political elite has lost control of the narrative, and the Digital Services Act is part of a system of censorship in an increasing, desperate attempt to control narratives and suppress growing public discontent."

- Lorcán Price, Legal Counsel with ADF International

The hearing comes at a critical moment as concern grows over free speech in Europe and recent pushback from the Trump administration against European online censorship. One year ago, while campaigning for president, Trump himself was threatened with censorship under the DSA leading up to an X interview with Elon Musk.

The hearing at the U.S. Congress takes place just months before the European Commission’s first DSA review in November 2025, yet the almost no details on the process or who will be involved.

In his testimony, Price warned that without oversight, the DSA’s broad powers could become entrenched and exported worldwide, influencing how tech companies control speech far beyond Europe.

Price warned that Europe’s growing offenses against free speech could easily enter the US under the DSA’s provisions. He cited a string of censorship attempts in Europe, including the case of Paivi Rasanen, a Finnish Parliamentarian who has endured over six years of prosecution for tweeting a Bible verse. MP Nigel Farage also testified at the hearing.

“Under the DSA, what happens in Europe won’t stay in Europe,” Price said. “The internet is global. If American policymakers don’t push back against the DSA model, the same speech restrictions now emerging in Europe will be imported here. »

What is the Digital Services Act?

The European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA) was passed in 2022 and came into full effect in 2025, introducing sweeping regulations on online platforms. While presented as a framework for online safety, it gives the European Commission, the EU’s top executive arm, broad power to oversee what content remains online on very large platforms.

On July 1, 2025, the DSA’s “Code of Conduct on Disinformation” went into effect. The code requires platforms to monitor content and swiftly remove anything deemed as “disinformation” under EU law. The law also relies on “trusted flaggers,” including NGOs and regulators, while the Commission maintains oversight of the entire system. Platforms can face fines of up to 6% of their global revenue if they fail to comply, creating strong incentives for broad preemptive censorship of users.

Although the DSA is an EU law, its reach is global. Because these large online platforms operate worldwide, anyone, anywhere, faces the risk of having their content blocked or removed to comply with the DSA. This includes Americans, whose online posts could be censored even if protected under U.S. constitutional law.

ADF International has been at the forefront of sounding the alarm about this sweeping legislation, pushing back against online censorship and defending the fundamental right to free expression.

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