April 14, 2025

In the most recent Urgent Action Letter addressed to the Attorney General of Kano State, Nigeria, the Union urged for the immediate release of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu and for all charges to be dropped and for Yahaya to receive urgent medical care while detained. 

“We are extremely concerned by the continued detention of Mr. Sharif-Aminu, who has been denied the most basic human rights; his health, his freedom, and his voice,” said Keegan Buckley-Boyer, Accessibility Representative. 

Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, a 25-year-old musician, was sentenced to death by hanging in 2020 under Sharia law for allegedly sharing a song considered blasphemous. Although a High Court overturned the original conviction and called for a retrial, his legal team instead filed a constitutional appeal with the Supreme Court in 2022. Over two years later, that appeal remains unheard. Meanwhile, Yahaya remains behind bars in critical condition. He suffers from asthma and has been repeatedly denied access to essential medication, food, and clothing. While his family has helped provide some support, his health remains in jeopardy. 

This case speaks to a broader pattern of injustice in Nigeria, where freedom of expression is criminalized, and the death penalty is still applied to non-violent acts. Yahaya’s imprisonment for a song highlights how blasphemy laws can be weaponized against individuals and reinforces the need for legal reform to protect basic human rights and dignity. It also underscores the urgent need to uphold the rights of detainees, especially when prison conditions violate international standards. 

“Yahaya’s case is a reminder of the urgent need to protect freedom of expression and end the use of the death penalty for non-violent acts,” Buckley-Boyer added. “His situation is not just unjust, it is inhumane.” 

We hope the Attorney General of Kano State will take swift action to address this grave human rights violation and ensure Yahaya’s immediate release. 

The Amnesty Urgent Actions Program allows for the Union to consistently take solidarity action regarding international human rights injustices that matter to students. Click this link to see injustices we have addressed previously, and for further information about this issue or to see a copy of the letter, contact the Equity Coordinator below.