The Executive Governor of Kano State
His Excellency Abba Yusuf
Governor's Office
KANO
NIGERIA

Dijk en Waard, datum

Your Excellency,

I write You as someone who is also in his own country concerned with the respect of Human Rights. I wish to express my great concern about the situation of

YAHAYA SHARIF-AMINU

I am concerned for musician Yahaya Sharif-Aminu who was convicted and sentenced to death in March 2020 for sharing a song containing alleged derogatory comments about the Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

On 21 January 2021, the Court of Appeal ordered a retrial of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu’s case. If again found guilty, he could be resentenced to death. His (re)trial violates the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion. Freedom of expression is guaranteed by Nigeria’s constitution. 
Yahaya Sharif-Aminu remains held at an unknown correctional facility in Kano state in prolonged incommunicado detention without access to his lawyers, family or medical care. 
I am concerned that given the limited safeguards protecting those held incommunicado, Yahaya Sharif-Aminu is at heightened risk of torture and other ill-treatment.

In light of the above,  I urge You to ensure the immediate and unconditional release of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu. I do hope that this demand will be fully considered and acted upon.

I thank You for Your attention in this very important matter, I am kindly awaiting for positive news about Yahaya Sharif-Aminu.

Yours sincerely and respectfully,


(handtekening +
naam en adres)
The Netherlands