Abuja (Nigeria): The Supreme Court has permitted Yahaya Sharif-Aminu’s legal team to submit an appeal beyond the standard deadline. Yahaya, a musician, was sentenced to death for alleged blasphemy.
Sharif-Aminu was convicted in 2020 by a sharia court in Kano State for purportedly making offensive remarks about the Prophet Muhammad.
The case generated reactions from both domestic and international observers over the intersection of religious jurisprudence and constitutional protections.
Kola Alapini, Yahaya’s lawyer, argued that procedural irregularities marred the initial trial, citing insufficient time to prepare a defence and the absence of legal counsel, who were given just a day’s notice before the judgment, which was delivered virtually,” Alapini said.
“The Supreme Court has now allowed us to proceed with the appeal and has ordered an expedited hearing.”
The defence team is also challenging the legality of specific provisions within Kano’s sharia framework, particularly those mandating capital punishment and corporal penalties, contending that they violate Nigeria’s secular constitution.
Meanwhile, Lamido Abba Sorondinki, representing the Kano State government, stood by the original ruling.
“The statements made by the accused were blasphemous and unacceptable,” he said. “Should the Supreme Court affirm the lower court’s decision, the sentence will be carried out publicly.”
The appeal is expected to be filed in the coming week, while both the legal and human rights communities will be closely monitoring the outcome.