The United States government has called on Nigerian authorities to release Kano-based Sufi singer Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, who has been detained since 2020 following a blasphemy case.
The demand was disclosed by Riley Barnes, the US Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, during a congressional hearing on religious freedom and security in Nigeria.
Barnes said American officials were engaging Nigerian authorities and contacting the singer’s relatives as part of efforts to address his continued detention.
US Raises Concerns Over Blasphemy Laws
Speaking before the Africa Subcommittee of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee, Barnes expressed concern about the enforcement of blasphemy laws in Nigeria.
He said Washington was pressing Nigerian authorities over Sharif-Aminu’s case while encouraging the country to move away from laws that criminalise alleged religious offences.
Barnes also emphasised that the United States remained concerned about violence and insecurity affecting communities across Nigeria.
The hearing examined Nigeria’s efforts to protect vulnerable communities and address attacks in the country’s Middle Belt.
Singer Detained Since 2020
According to official testimony presented before the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Washington is pressing the Nigerian government to release Yahaya Sharif-Aminu and stop enforcing blasphemy laws.
Sharif-Aminu was arrested in Kano in March 2020 after sharing song lyrics through WhatsApp that were considered blasphemous by some members of the public.
He was subsequently convicted by a Sharia court and sentenced to death in August 2020.
However, the Kano State High Court overturned the original death sentence in January 2021 and ordered a retrial because of procedural irregularities, including concerns about legal representation.
The singer’s case has continued through the courts, attracting attention from international human rights organisations and advocates of religious freedom.
Case Draws International Attention
The renewed US intervention highlights continuing concerns over freedom of expression, religious rights and criminal justice procedures in Nigeria.
American officials have indicated that their engagement with Nigerian authorities will continue as they seek progress on human rights and security concerns.
The latest development adds international attention to Sharif-Aminu’s unresolved legal case.
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