US urges Nigeria to free musician on death row over blasphemy

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The United States has urged the Nigerian government to release Sufi musician Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, who has been on death row since 2020 over blasphemy charg Read More:…

The United States has urged the Federal Government to release Nigerian Sufi musician Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, who has been in detention since 2020 after being sentenced to death over alleged blasphemy.

The US Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labour, Riley Barnes, made the call on Thursday during a hearing of the US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee.

Barnes said the US was engaging Nigerian authorities to secure the musician’s release and end the enforcement of blasphemy laws.

“We are actively pressing the government of Nigeria and calling for the release of Sufi singer Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, who sits on death row over blasphemy charges, and we continue to urge the government to cease the enforcement of blasphemy laws,” he said.

He also criticised the prosecution of Nigerians over alleged blasphemy, including cases involving peaceful expressions of opinion.

“State officials continue to prosecute individuals for alleged blasphemy or perceived insults to Islam, including peaceful speech, which stands in clear violation of Nigeria’s obligation to safeguard free speech and religious freedom,” Barnes said.

The hearing, titled ‘One Year Later: Assessing Nigeria’s Efforts to Protect Christians and Secure the Middle Belt’, examined the country’s response to insecurity and religious violence.

It came about a year after US President Donald Trump designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern over religious freedom concerns.

During the hearing, Barnes called for greater progress in addressing attacks and ensuring the safe return of internally displaced persons to their communities.

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