Court Reverts Death Sentence Imposed On Kano Singer Over Blasphemy

The death sentence imposed on Yahya Sharif Aminu, a Kano-based singer who was convicted for blasphemy has been overturned by a court. 

In a judgement delivered on Thursday January 21 by the state’s chief judge Nuraddeen Sagir, it was stated that the trial was full of irregularities as the appellant was not given legal representation.

Sagir also said that the judgement of the upper Sharia court contravened section 2-6-9 of the administration of criminal justice act.

He ordered that the case be re-tried at the same court and that the appellant should be given fair hearing and legal representation under another judge.

In the case of Sharif, the conviction was quashed and the case sent back to the sharia court.

“Their lives will never be the same again,” said Kola Alapinni, a defence lawyer representing both defendants.

He said it would not be safe for Farouq to remain in Kano, while Sharif was likely to remain in custody until his retrial was heard.

Protesters in Kano destroyed Sharif’s home last year, forcing his family to flee.

Farouq’s parents disassociated themselves from him due to the shame caused by the case, according to Alapinni, who said the boy’s uncle was the only relative to have been in regular contact with the legal team.