On continuing detention and risk of the death penalty for individuals in Nigeria charged with blasphemy, notably the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu

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;

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.