Blasphemy: Muslim Lawyers Support Death Sentence On Musician

Muslim Lawyers Association of Nigeria (MULAN) has expressed support for the death sentence passed on a 22-year-old musician, Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, in Kano for blasphemy by an Upper Shariah Court.

The MULAN Chairman, Kano branch, MalamMuhammad Sani Garba, at a press briefing on Saturday said having examined the proceedings of the case, the association noted that the offence under which the convict was charged was an offence known by the Kano State Sharia Penal Code and provided in section 382(B).

He said the association equally noted that the convict oldly confessed to his offence during the trial details of which is contained in a Whatsapp group known as “Gidan Umma Amina” and transmitted into writing, (the certified true copy of the transcribed text was tendered and admitted during trial).

Sharif-Aminu was on Monday, August 10, sentenced to death by hanging by an Upper Sharia Court sitting in Kano State.

The trial Judge, Khadi Muhammad Ali-Kani, sentenced Sharif-Aminu to death by hanging for blasphemy.

Sharif-Aminu, a resident of Sharifai Quarters of Kano Municipal Area Council, was arraigned by the police on a one-count charge of inciting religious creed.

He said: ‘’That the honourable Judge of Upper Shariah Court Hausawa was right in his Judgment in which he convicted and sentenced the accused to death for blasphemy against the holy prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) without prejudice to the right of appeal of the convict.

“This is because the Supreme Court has decided in the case of Abubakar Shalla Vs State (2007) 12 MJSC at page 52-53 paragraph G-B that the position of the Law under Shariah is that any sane and adult Muslim, who insults, defames, or utters words or acts which are capable of bringing into disrepute, odium, contempt of the holy prophet (peace be upon him) such a person has committed a serious crime which is punishable by death. ‘

Garba urged the public to understand that Shariah is a Muslim Law applicable only to Muslims and therefore any person who accepted to be a Muslim must obey the provisions of Shariah irrespective of whether or not it pleased him.

‘’For people who don’t follow the Islamic faith we remind them that the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has guaranteed Nigerians to practise and observe the religion of their choice and be bound by its laws and principles.

‘’Islamic scholars are advised to counsel their followers properly in seeking proper Islamic knowledge and always ensure peace and stability in the society,’’ Garba said.

He urged the government in Kano State to ensure strict compliance to the judgement as part of its commitment towards proper implementation of Shariah.