US Government Says Death Sentence On Musician For Blasphemy Must Be Overturned

The United States has condemned the death sentence passed on Kano singer, Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, for allegedly insulting the Prophet Muhammad in a song he circulated social media.

The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) in a statement on August 11, said on the Nigerians government must overturn the death sentence on the 22-year-old musician.

The US government said blasphemy laws are inconsistent with universal human rights standards.

“The Nigerian government must overturn Sharif-Aminu’s death sentence and repeal blasphemy laws still present in state-sponsored courts,” Tony Perkins, the vice-chairperson of USCIRF stated.

The US government said blasphemy laws are inconsistent with universal human rights standards because they fail to respect recognized rights, including freedom of religion and expression.

Similarly, Frederick A. Davie, who serves as the USCIRF commissioner said it was unconscionable for Sharif-Aminu to be sentenced to the death for merely expressing his beliefs through music.