resolution motion, 10 February 2025
On continuing detention and risk of the death penalty for individuals in Nigeria charged with blasphemy, notably the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu
Motion B-10-2025-0117 · (2025/2548(RSP))
on behalf of the Renew Group · Rapporteur: JanChristoph Oetjen, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Engin Eroglu, Karin Karlsbro, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Urmas Paet, MarieAgnes StrackZimmermann, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar
AI:In short
The resolution condemns the continued imprisonment of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu and calls for his immediate release, the repeal of blasphemy laws in Nigeria, and a moratorium on executions. It also urges protection against mob violence, investigation of perpetrators, and international cooperation on human rights.
Key points
- Condemns the continued imprisonment of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu and calls for his immediate and unconditional release and the dismissal of all charges.
- Welcomes Rhoda Jatau’s acquittal, expresses concern over Mubarak Bala’s detention, and urges authorities to protect acquitted individuals from reprisals.
- Calls on Nigeria to repeal blasphemy laws, including Section 204 of the Criminal Code, and align national laws with international human rights obligations.
- Urges Nigeria to immediately impose a nationwide moratorium on executions and work towards full abolition of the death penalty for blasphemy and non-violent offenses.
- Denounces impunity surrounding blasphemy accusations and calls for protection against mob violence.
- Calls on the Nigerian police to ensure prompt investigation and prosecution of perpetrators of mob killings related to blasphemy.
- Stresses Nigeria’s responsibility to lead by example in abolishing blasphemy laws that endanger religious minorities, violate fundamental freedoms and fuel sectarian violence.
- Reaffirms the importance of international cooperation in advancing human rights and urges diplomatic engagement on blasphemy laws.
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Text 22 paragraphs
B100117/2025
Motion for a European Parliament resolution on continuing detention and risk of the death penalty for individuals in Nigeria charged with blasphemy, notably the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu
(2025/2548(RSP))
The European Parliament,
–having regard to its previous resolution of 20 April 2023 on the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu,
–having regard to Rule 144 of its Rules of Procedure,
A.whereas in March 2020, Nigerian singer Yahaya Sharif-Aminu was arrested and his family attacked following accusations of blasphemy over a song shared online;
B.whereas on 10 August 2020, he was sentenced to death by an Upper Sharia Court in Kano State without legal representation; whereas on 27 August 2020, the Kano State Governor publicly stated he would sign the execution warrant;
C.whereas following legal challenges citing procedural violations and constitutional concerns, the Kano State High Court ordered a retrial in January 2021; whereas in August 2022, the Court of Appeal upheld this ruling but affirmed the constitutionality of Sharia blasphemy laws;
D.whereas Yahaya Sharif-Aminu’s appeal to the Supreme Court remains pending; whereas in May 2024, UN human rights experts demanded his immediate release, condemning his detention as a violation of fundamental rights;
E.whereas in November 2024, his legal counsel petitioned Nigeria’s National Assembly to challenge the constitutionality of his detention and advocate for legislative reform;
F.whereas similar cases persist, including Deborah Yakubu, a student lynched in 2022, and Mubarak Bala, sentenced to 24 years in prison for blasphemy; whereas Rhoda Jatau was detained for two years before her acquittal in December 2024;
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G.whereas religious freedom and freedom of expression are fundamental rights that must be upheld globally;
Condemns the continued imprisonment of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu and calls for his immediate and unconditional release and the dismissal of all charges;
Welcomes Rhoda Jatau’s acquittal, but expresses grave concern over Mubarak Bala’s continued detention, and urges authorities to protect acquitted individuals from reprisals;
Calls on Nigeria to repeal blasphemy laws, including Section 204 of the Criminal Code, and align national laws with international human rights obligations;
Urges Nigeria to immediately impose a nationwide moratorium on executions and work towards full abolition of the death penalty for blasphemy and non-violent offenses;
Denounces impunity surrounding blasphemy accusations and calls for protection against mob violence;
Calls on the Nigerian police to ensure prompt investigation and prosecution of perpetrators of mob killings related to blasphemy;
Stresses Nigeria’s responsibility to lead by example in abolishing blasphemy laws that systematically endanger religious minorities, violate fundamental freedoms and fuel sectarian violence;
Reaffirms the importance of international cooperation in advancing human rights and urges diplomatic engagement on blasphemy laws;
Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Nigerian government, National Assembly, African Union, UN, and EU institutions.