European Parliament, in Rare Move, Calls a Second Time for Immediate Release of Nigerian Prisoner Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, Condemns Blasphemy Law

Brussels (13 February 2025) In an urgency resolution the European Parliament has reiterated its called for the release of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, a young Nigerian musician facing the death penalty under the blasphemy law of Kano state, northern Nigeria. The resolution calls for Sharif-Aminu’s “immediate and conditional” release and condemns Nigeria’s use of blasphemy law, stressing “Nigeria’s responsibility to lead by example in abolishing blasphemy laws, including religious insult in criminal law, that systematically endanger religious minorities, violate fundamental freedoms and fuel sectarian violence”. The resolution was adopted by an overwhelming majority. 

The European Parliament first adopted an urgency resolution in Sharif-Aminu’s case in April of 2023. It is rare for the European Parliament to raise the same case twice, demonstrating the gravity and importance of the situation facing Yahaya Sharif-Aminu. 

This resolution from the European Parliament comes while the UK Parliament has spotlighted Sharif-Aminu as their prisoner of conscience of the month, highlighting his unjust imprisonment for his religious expression.  

Sharif-Aminu’s case, to be heard by the Supreme Court of Nigeria, has the potential to overturn the country’s draconian blasphemy law regime in the northern states. Blasphemy laws contribute to a culture of rampant fear and violence by targeting minority faith groups with criminal penalties, including in some instances the death penalty, for religious expression perceived as offensive.  

Sean Nelson, Legal Counsel for ADF International, stated:  

“We applaud the European Parliament’s condemnation of the egregious blasphemy laws that plague religious minorities in Nigeria, as tragically exemplified by what has happened to Yahaya Sharif-Aminu. This case has unprecedented potential to eliminate Northern Nigeria’s oppressive blasphemy laws, and we will continue to seek justice for Yahaya and others who are unjustly persecuted for their faith expression. No person should be sentenced to death for peaceful religious expression, and we are thankful to Members of the European Parliament who are speaking out on Yahaya’s behalf.”  

Bert-Jan Ruissen, Member of the European Parliament (ECR), stated:  

“No individuals, whether in Nigeria or elsewhere, should be potentially subjected to the death penalty for allegations of blasphemy. I am proud to stand in support of the immediate release of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu and others currently imprisoned in Nigeria on blasphemy allegations. I call on other international bodies, countries, officials, and advocates to similarly raise their voices so that these individuals, unjustly imprisoned because of their religion or belief and their expression, are immediately released and given due protection.” 

Miriam Lexmann, Member of the European Parliament (EPP), stated:  

“It is rare for the European Parliament to pass a second urgency resolution on the same case, but the gravity of the situation facing Yahaya Sharif-Aminu and other individuals detained for years on blasphemy allegations in Nigeria warrants this important step. Yahaya Sharif-Aminu has now been imprisoned for nearly five years, and Nigeria has still not released him, even after multiple high-level international condemnations, including from the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. I call for Yahaya Sharif-Aminu’s immediate and unconditional release, along with the release of all others facing blasphemy allegations, and for Nigeria to repeal its blasphemy laws, which are in violation of its international obligations.”