Summary
A young man in Nigeria, Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, faces a death sentence for allegedly sharing WhatsApp song lyrics considered blasphemous against the Prophet Muhammad. Nigeria's Supreme Court is reviewing his case, highlighting tensions between its constitutional protections for religious freedom and state-level blasphemy laws, particularly in Kano State.
Key Facts
- Yahaya Sharif-Aminu is a Sufi Muslim musician from Kano State, Nigeria.
- He was sentenced to death under Kano State’s Sharia law for sharing song lyrics on WhatsApp.
- His conviction was overturned, and he is set for a retrial facing the same death-penalty law.
- Yahaya has been in prison for over five and a half years awaiting his legal proceedings.
- Nigeria is one of seven countries where blasphemy can lead to a death sentence.
- The Nigerian constitution prohibits the establishment of an official religion and protects religious freedom.
- Kano State defends its blasphemy law as necessary to protect Islam’s sanctity.
- Mob violence and persecution related to blasphemy accusations are common in Nigeria.
