Headlines
Blasphemy: Yahya Aminu Sharif yet to get lawyer
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
Two weeks after a Kano Shari’a court sentenced a singer Yahya Aminu Sharif to die by hanging for blaspheming Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), the convict is yet to get a lawyer.
Kano state High Court spokesperson, Baba Jibo Ibrahim told Kano Focus that since the verdict no lawyer has shown interest in the case.
He however said some human rights organizations came to the court asking about the case, but are yet to offer their support.
Mr Ibrahim said the convict has up to September 09, 2020 to appeal the judgment.
Blasphemy: Kano council of Imams, Hisbah endorse Shari’ah court verdict
Death penalty: Kano convicted persons may not be executed
Kano Focus recalls that Mr Sharif, 22, was found guilty of blaspheming against the Prophet in a voice message he posted in a WhatsApp group in March 2020
Ganduje under pressure to sign death warrant
Meanwhile, the council of Imams in Kano, and various people in the state have urged the state Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, to sign the execution warrant of the convict to serve as a deterrent.
Chairman of the council, Muhammad Nasir Adam, said the government should be courageous enough to adhere to the court judgment regardless of political sentiments.
Mr Adam applauded the quickness of the court in arriving at the judgment.
The Islamic scholar said Islam is a religion of peace but has means of punishing transgressors.
Kano Muslim lawyers back the sentence
Also, the Muslim Lawyers’ Association (MULAN), Kano branch says there was nothing wrong with the death penalty passed on Sharif.
Chariman of the association, Muhammad Sani Garba said the act for which Sharif was convicted is recognized by the Kano State Sharia Penal Code and provided in section 382(B).
“The judge was right because the Supreme Court had 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 utter words or acts which are capable of bringing into disrepute, odium, contempt of the holy prophet such a person has committed a serious crime which is punishable by death.” Mr Garba stated.
He therefore urged Kano state government to comply with the conviction.
Human Rights Organizations challenge conviction
However, Amnesty International, and other Human Rights organizations have condemned the death sentence handed down to a Mr Sharif.
Amnesty also called on the state governor Abdullahi Ganduje to immediately quash the conviction.
“The authorities of Kano State of Nigeria must immediately quash the conviction and death sentence of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, who was sentenced to death by hanging on spurious charges of blasphemy by the Kano Upper Shari’a Court.”
The group described the conviction as a travesty of justice, adding that the musician did not get a fair hearing.
“Furthermore, the imposition of the death penalty following an unfair trial violates the right to life.
“Yahaya Sharif-Aminu must be released immediately and unconditionally,” said Osai Ojigho, Amnesty International Nigeria Country Director.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The management of Bayero University, Kano (BUK) has commenced a preliminary investigation into allegations linking a person reportedly identified as one of its students to acts of online impersonation and financial misconduct circulating on social media.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs, Lamara Garba, on behalf of the Registrar, the university said it had taken note of the claims being discussed in public commentary and across various online platforms.
The statement noted that BUK maintains strict standards of conduct, discipline, and character for all students throughout the duration of their studies, adding that any behaviour capable of bringing the name and reputation of the institution into disrepute is treated with the utmost seriousness.
According to the university, the alleged actions of an individual student should not be seen as a reflection of the values or character of Bayero University Kano as an institution.
“In view of the allegations, the University has commenced a preliminary inquiry to ascertain the facts surrounding the matter. The appropriate University authorities are reviewing the issue in line with the institution’s established rules and disciplinary procedures governing students’ conduct,” the statement said.
The management also commended the public-spirited efforts of Professor Farooq Kperogi and other individuals who provide financial assistance to students in need, particularly by supporting registration fees and other educational expenses.
The university noted that such acts of generosity continue to play an important role in expanding access to education and supporting deserving students.
BUK assured members of the public that if the allegations are substantiated, appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken in accordance with the university’s regulations and relevant laws.
The institution also urged the public to allow the investigative process to run its course and to refrain from speculation or the spread of unverified information.
Ibrahim Khalil
The Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has relieved the State Head of Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa, of his appointment with immediate effect.
KANO FOCUS reports that the development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday evening by the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House Kano, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, the decision forms part of the ongoing efforts of the current administration to reposition the state civil service for greater efficiency, discipline, and improved service delivery across government institutions.
Governor Yusuf expressed appreciation to the outgoing Head of Service for his contributions and dedication to the service of Kano State during his tenure.
“We wish him the best in his future endeavours and pray for his continued success in all aspects of life,” the governor said.
The governor also directed that Hajiya Bilkisu Shehu Maimota, Permanent Secretary, Administration and General Services at the Cabinet Office, should serve as Acting Head of Service pending the appointment of a substantive replacement.
The statement further directed the outgoing Head of Service to hand over the affairs of the office to the acting Head of Service no later than Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Board Chairman of Belraados Limited and Kano State Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Dr. Goni Faruk Umar, on Saturday met with the former President of Brazil, Mr. Michel Temer, during the opening dinner of the 26th Expodireto Cotrijal in Brazil.
KANO FOCUS reports that Dr. Umar was seen exchanging a handshake with the former Brazilian leader at the event held in Não-Me-Toque, a city in the southern part of Brazil hosting the annual international agribusiness exhibition.
The Expodireto Cotrijal is one of the largest agricultural trade fairs in Latin America, attracting policymakers, agribusiness investors, researchers and stakeholders from across the globe to discuss innovations and opportunities in the agricultural sector.
Participants at the event are expected to explore partnerships and share ideas aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and strengthening international cooperation in agribusiness.
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