resolution motion, 10 February 2025
On the continuing detention and risk of death penalty for individuals in Nigeria based on blasphemy charge, notably the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu
Motion B-10-2025-0120 · (2025/2548(RSP))
on behalf of the S&D Group · Rapporteur: Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Hannes Heide
AI:In short
The resolution calls on Nigerian authorities to release Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, withdraw blasphemy charges, and ensure his adequate treatment in detention. It urges the Supreme Court to expedite his appeal, the Governor of Kano to not sign execution warrants, and the EU to oppose the death penalty and push for abolition in Nigeria. It also asks the EU's foreign policy chief and member states to raise the case with Nigerian authorities.
Key points
- Calls on Nigerian authorities to immediately release Sharif-Aminu and withdraw blasphemy charges against him.
- Insists that while in detention, Sharif-Aminu must have access to adequate food, clothing, and medical treatment.
- Calls on the Supreme Court of Nigeria to ensure an expedited and fair appeals process pending his release.
- Urges the Governor of Kano to refrain from signing any warrant for Sharif-Aminu's execution.
- Underlines the EU's strong opposition to the death penalty in all cases and reiterates calls for Nigeria to withdraw capital punishment for blasphemy and move towards abolition.
- Calls on the EU's foreign policy chief and member states to raise Sharif-Aminu's case in engagement with Nigerian authorities.
Who is affected
- Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, detained in Nigeria on blasphemy charges, faces risk of execution.
- Nigerian authorities, including the Supreme Court and Governor of Kano, are urged to act.
- EU institutions and member states are called on to raise the case with Nigeria.
Figures and deadlines
- March 2020: Sharif-Aminu was accused of blasphemy.
- August 2020: He was convicted and sentenced to death by hanging.
- January 2021: Kano State High Court ordered a retrial.
- August 2022: Court of Appeal confirmed Sharia Penal Code's compatibility with constitution.
- November 2022: Sharif-Aminu appealed to the Supreme Court.
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Full text
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B100120/2025
Motion for a European Parliament resolution on the continuing detention and risk of death penalty for individuals in Nigeria based on blasphemy charge, notably the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu
(2025/2548(RSP))
The European Parliament,
having regard to its previous resolution on Yahaya Sharif Aminu in Nigeria,
having regard to the Constitution of Nigeria,
having regard to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Nigeria is party,
having regard to the Samoa Agreement,
having regard to Rule 150(5) of its Rules of Procedure,
whereas in March 2020 Nigerian singer Yahaya Sharif Aminu was accused of singing lyrics which were deemed to contain derogatory remarks about the Prophet Muhammad; whereas he was arrested and charged with blasphemy; whereas his family faced harassment and persecution following his arrest;
whereas in August 2020 Sharif Aminu was tried without legal representation and convicted for blasphemy; whereas he was sentenced by the Upper Sharia court in Kano State to death by hanging; whereas in January 2021 the Kano State High Court ordered a retrial;
whereas in August 2022 the Court of Appeal issued a judgement confirming it considers the Sharia Penal Code to be compatible with the Nigerian constitution; whereas Sharif Aminu appealed to the Supreme Court in November 2022; whereas he is still awaiting a trial date for the appeal;
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whereas reports indicate his health has deteriorated and he is detained in unsuitable conditions without sufficient food, clothing, or medication;
whereas blasphemy laws are a violation of international human rights commitments and stifle freedom of expression and of religion and belief; whereas accusations of blasphemy frequently lead to harassment, violence and in the most serious cases mob killing;
whereas the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights restricts the use of capital punishment to only the most serious crimes; whereas death penalty sentences continue to be handed down in blasphemy cases in northern Nigerian states under Sharia law;
Calls on the Nigerian authorities to immediately release Sharif Aminu and withdraw the blasphemy charges against him; insists that while he remains in detention his access to adequate food, clothing and medical treatment must be ensured;
Calls on the Supreme Court of Nigeria to ensure an expedited and fair appeals process, pending his release;
Urges the Governor of Kano to refrain from signing any warrant for the execution of Sharif Aminu;
Underlines the EU’s strong opposition to the death penalty, in all cases and without exception; reiterates its calls for the Government of Nigeria to immediately withdraw the use of capital punishment for blasphemy, and take steps towards full abolition;
Calls on the HR/VP and Member States to raise the case of Sharif Aminu in engagement with the Nigerian authorities;
Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the HR/VP, and the President, Government and Parliament of Nigeria, and the Governor of Kano State.