Court Resumes Appeal Hearing Of Singer Sentenced To Death For Blasphemy

The hearing of an appeal against the death sentence passed on Sheriff Yahaya, 30, a popular entertainer by Kano Shari’a court has begun.

The appeal filed by a Lagos-based human rights lawyer, Kola Alapini, against the Kano state government and Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kano State, which is challenging the lower court judgment is before the Chief Judge of Kano state, Justice Nuraddeen Sagir Umar.

Similar appeal filed by the appellant against one Umar Faruq, 17, who was also sentenced to 13 years jail term for the same charge would also be heard.

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The hearing was stalled on Monday 26th, October 2020 due to the absence of the appellant who had furnished the court with an explanation thereby sought for an adjournment.

ICYMI: Rights Expert's Reaction To Sheriff Yahaya's Death Sentence

"Application of the death penalty for artistic expression or for sharing a song on the internet is a flagrant violation of international human rights law, as well as of Nigeria's constitution," said Karima Bennoune, a UN expert on cultural rights.

"Artistic expression of opinion and beliefs, through songs or other media – including those seen to offend religious sensibilities – is protected in accordance with international law," the statement added.

"The criminalization of these expressions is unlawful. Music is not a crime."

The rights expert said Nigeria should overturn the death sentence and guarantee the singer's safety while he launched an appeal.