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"

“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. 

Images for free use in print or online in relation to this story only

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 25ththe first hearing in the case of Sufi Muslim Yahaya Sharif-Aminu will be held at the Supreme Court of Nigeria. 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 penaltyADF 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 punishedlet alone face deathfor peacefully sharing song lyrics,” said Kelsey ZorziDirector 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."

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.   

Vous êtes actuellement en train de consulter le contenu d'un espace réservé de YouTube. Pour accéder au contenu réel, cliquez sur le bouton ci-dessous. Veuillez noter que ce faisant, des données seront partagées avec des providers tiers.

Plus d'informations

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.  

Images for free use in print or online in relation to this story only

Religious freedom advocates congratulate Rubio on nomination to lead US State Department, call for greater focus on religious prisoners of conscience

  • 60 leaders and organizations, including ADF International, Jubilee Campaign USA, Global Christian Relief, congratulate Senator Marco Rubio on Secretary of State nomination 
  • Religious freedom advocates ask Rubio to continue his tireless advocacy for the persecuted worldwide, in particular for religious prisoners of conscience, and secure religious freedom as a foreign policy priority.  
  • ADF International supporting legal defence of the persecuted across the globe, including in Nigeria and Egypt.   

WASHINGTON, DC (19 December 2024) ADF International, along with participants of the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Roundtable, an informal coalition of organizations, religious and secular leaders, advocates, and scholars dedicated to the protection of religious freedom, today sent a letter to Senator Marco Rubio to congratulate him on his nomination to Secretary of State and press for him to prioritize advocacy for religious prisoners of conscience.  

In the letter, the religious freedom advocates thank Sen. Rubio for his work to promote religious freedom abroad and secure the release of prisoners of conscience, including those imprisoned for their faith or beliefs. The advocates ask that, if confirmed, Rubio would continue to make support for religious prisoners of conscience a priority in U.S. foreign policy: “If confirmed as Secretary of State, we ask that you use your platform to give an even greater voice to those who languish hidden away behind bars only because of their faith or beliefs. We ask that you use all available tools to ensure that those unjustly imprisoned for their faith around the world are freed. We know that advocacy for the unjustly imprisoned has been a personal priority for you, and we are confident that, through your leadership, it will be a foreign policy priority of the United States.” 

Sean Nelson, legal counsel for ADF International and letter signatory, stated:  

“We congratulate Senator Rubio, a true friend and advocate for the voiceless across the globe, on his nomination for Secretary of State. Across the globe, many are unjustly punished for living out and expressing their faith. If confirmed, we are hopeful that under Senator Rubio’s leadership, there will be renewed pressure on religious freedom violators and justice for the persecuted.”  

ADF International coordinated the organization of the letter. A full list of signatories and text of the letter can be read HERE. ADF International also supported another letter sent today expressing gratitude for Sen. Rubio’s leadership on IRF issues throughout his career. 

Background 

The letter highlights several critical instances of religious persecution, including the cases of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu (Nigeria) and Abdulbaqi Saeed Abdo and Nour Girgis (Egypt). 

In Nigeria, Yahaya Sharif-Aminu was sentenced to death by hanging in 2020 for sharing allegedly “blasphemous” song lyrics in a closed WhatsApp group. He is currently awaiting appeal at the Nigerian Supreme Court with the legal support of ADF International.  

In Egypt, Nour Girgis and Abdulbaqi Saeed Abdo, both Christian, have been held in pre-trial detention for over two years. They were arrested in 2021 for their involvement with a Facebook page that is dedicated to supporting people who have converted from Islam to Christianity. Authorities arrested the men after discovering their affiliation with the page, spuriously linking their involvement with terrorism activities.    

ADF International is pursuing international action to advocate for their urgent release following a letter from Abdo to his family where he vowed to commence a hunger strike due to the injustice he has endured.  

Images for free use in print or online in relation to this story only.

United Nations experts call for immediate release of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, denounce blatant human rights violations in Nigeria

Nigerian prisoner Yahaya Sharif-Aminu
  • Experts with the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention call for the immediate and unconditional release of Nigerian Yahaya Sharif-Aminu. 
  • Sharif-Aminu currently remains in prison while awaiting Supreme Court appeal following death sentence for sharing allegedly “blasphemous” song lyrics on WhatsApp; ADF International is supporting his appeal to the Supreme Court of Nigeria. 
Nigerian prisoner Yahaya Sharif-Aminu

GENEVA (3 DECEMBER 2024) The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD) has called for the immediate release and reparations for Nigerian Yahaya Sharif-Aminu in a just-published opinion. Sharif-Aminu was sentenced to death by hanging in 2020 for sharing allegedly “blasphemous” song lyrics in a closed WhatsApp group. He is currently awaiting appeal at the Nigerian Supreme Court with the legal support of ADF International. 

In their opinion, the WGAD finds that Nigerian authorities deprived Sharif-Aminu of various fundamental human rights in international law, including freedom of religion or belief and freedom of expression, and urges Nigerian authorities to “take the steps necessary to remedy the situation” without delay. The WGAD also urges the government of Nigeria to “ensure a full and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the arbitrary detention of Mr. Sharif-Aminu and to take appropriate measures against those responsible for the violation of his rights.” The full opinion can be read here. 

“We are grateful to the members of the WGAD for speaking out on Yahaya’s behalf and for their denouncement of the blatant human rights violations he has been enduring,” said Sean Nelson, legal counsel for ADF International. “It is past time for Nigerian officials to heed the advice of human rights advocates across the globe, release Yahaya and abolish the blasphemy laws that have plagued religious minorities in Nigeria for far too long. No person should be punished, prosecuted, or threatened with death for their peaceful expression and their faith. We pray for Yahaya’s unconditional release and for all people worldwide to continue to raise their voices on his behalf.” 

Kola Alapinni, international human rights lawyer and lead attorney on Sharif-Aminu’s case, said: “The WGAD has reviewed the full facts of the unjust charges against Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, and have come to a clear and decisive statement that his rights have been violated grievously. I thank them for their call for his immediate release. Officials in Nigeria should listen—Yahaya’s ongoing detention is indefensible.” 

A video from ADF International features testimonies from Yahaya’s mother, father, and uncle, who recount the traumatic experiences endured by Yahaya and their family.

Death sentence for “blasphemy”   

In 2020, Sufi Muslim Yahaya Sharif-Aminu was sentenced to death by hanging for “blasphemy”. His alleged crime involved sending song lyrics on WhatsApp that were deemed blasphemous toward the prophet Mohammed.    

With support from human rights legal advocacy group ADF International, Sharif-Aminu has appealed his case to the Supreme Court of Nigeria and is challenging the constitutionality of Sharia-based blasphemy laws. He remains in prison awaiting the Supreme Court appeal. His case is far from an isolated incident. Together with minority Muslims, the persecution of Christians in Nigeria is especially severe. In 2022, approximately 90% of all Christians worldwide that were killed for their faith were in Nigeria.   

International pressure has been mounting to free Yahaya and end blasphemy laws. Last year, the European Parliament overwhelmingly called for the immediate release of Sharif-Aminu, and a group of 209 international and Nigerian human rights advocates wrote to then-Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, calling for Sharif-Aminu’s immediate release. 

In addition, in May of this year, United Nations experts called for Sharif-Aminu’s immediate and unconditional release.  

Sharif-Aminu’s potentially landmark Supreme Court appeal could end blasphemy laws in his home state of Kano and across northern Nigeria. A positive decision could lead the way toward abolishing blasphemy laws around the world.  

Images for free use in print or online in relation to this story only.