The European Parliament (EU) has urged Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian authorities to release Kano musician Yahaya Sharif-Aminu without delay and to eliminate the blasphemy laws used to prosecute him.
The directive was contained in a newly adopted resolution, which also faulted Nigeria for retaining statutes that contradict both constitutional guarantees and international human rights norms.
Sharif-Aminu’s lawyer, Kola Alapinni, disclosed the development on Twitter, celebrating the overwhelming support the resolution received in the European chamber.
Mr Alapinni described the vote as “mission accomplished”, noting that parliamentarians backed the motion with almost no opposition.
The resolution expressed deep concern about Nigeria’s continued trial of citizens for blasphemy despite its obligations under global human rights treaties.
It reminded the Nigerian government that freedom of expression and freedom of religion are protected both under the country’s constitution and international law.
The European Parliament called for the unconditional discharge of Sharif-Aminu and others who are facing similar accusations across the country.
It also demanded immediate improvement in the detained singer’s welfare, insisting that he must have access to food, clothing and adequate medical attention.
Lawmakers urged Nigeria’s Supreme Court to accelerate the pending appeal and ensure a transparent process.
The resolution encouraged Nigeria to introduce a nationwide suspension of executions and begin steps toward phasing out the death penalty entirely.
European legislators further advised the Nigerian government to tackle the widespread abuse of blasphemy allegations by prosecuting individuals who issue false claims and ensuring that mobs involved in violence face justice.
The parliament acknowledged Nigeria’s recent progress, including the acquittal of Rhoda Jatau and the release of Mubarak Bala after long periods of detention on blasphemy allegations.
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Sharif-Aminu, a 22-year-old singer, was sentenced to death by hanging in 2020 by a Sharia court in Kano for allegedly criticising Prophet Muhammad in one of his songs.
His conviction was overturned by the Kano State High Court in 2021 because the initial trial was found to be riddled with procedural errors, and the matter was ordered for retrial.
The Court of Appeal in 2022 upheld that decision, affirming that the earlier proceedings were flawed and that the musician deserved a fresh trial.
Sharif-Aminu remains in custody as the case awaits determination at the Supreme Court, with reports indicating that his health has deteriorated while in detention.
The European Parliament noted that Nigeria is among only seven countries where a blasphemy conviction can lead to the death penalty.
The resolution emphasised that “blasphemy laws are in clear breach of international human rights obligations” and also contradict the Nigerian constitution.
Human rights groups have repeatedly condemned the use of such laws, warning that they are often exploited against minorities and fuel violent attacks.
The European Parliament has directed its President to forward the resolution to the European Commission, the European Council, the European External Action Service and Nigeria’s National Assembly.
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