The European Parliament has urged the immediate release of Nigerian musician Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, who faces a blasphemy charge over a song about Prophet Mohammed. The EU Parliament’s freedom of religion group, EU FORB Intergroup, made the demand on its official social media handle, calling for Sharif-Aminu’s release.
According to the EU FORB Intergroup, a government lawyer recently threatened to hang the young musician, who had shared lyrics of his song about the Prophet Muhammad on a WhatsApp group. The group stated that Sharif-Aminu’s case has been on their radar for years and that the European Parliament had previously issued two resolutions, including one in February 2025, calling on Nigeria to abandon the death penalty and release him immediately.
Sharif-Aminu, a resident of Kano State, was sentenced to death in 2020 for alleged blasphemy after sharing the song lyrics in a private WhatsApp group, which sparked outrage. Recently, Nigeria’s Supreme Court granted his lawyers permission to file an appeal outside the legally prescribed timeframe.
The case has garnered international attention, with a global religious freedom advocate, Sean Nelson, writing in an opinion article published on NEWSWEEK, quoting an alleged Kano government lawyer as saying, “This man will be executed.” The European Parliament’s call for Sharif-Aminu’s release highlights concerns about freedom of expression and religion in Nigeria.
The development comes as Nigeria’s Supreme Court considers Sharif-Aminu’s appeal, which may determine his fate. The EU Parliament’s intervention underscores the significance of the case, which has implications for human rights and freedom of expression in the country. As the case progresses, international observers will be watching closely to see how Nigeria’s judicial system handles the appeal and whether Sharif-Aminu will be released.
