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
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced that its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) remains unchanged, reaffirming its commitment to stability in Nigeria’s domestic energy market.
In a statement issued by Esan Sunday, Head of Media Relations, Branding and Communication, the company said sustaining the current price reflects its efforts to cushion the broader economy against external shocks. It noted that by absorbing prevailing cost pressures, the refinery is helping to moderate inflationary risks, promote energy affordability, and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply amid ongoing global uncertainties.
The company reiterated its dedication to the steady supply of high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market, while aligning with national objectives of price stability and energy security.
It also urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the refinery for accurate and up-to-date information regarding its operations and pricing.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
Ibrahim Khalil
A dramatic political moment unfolded in Kano on Tuesday as former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje publicly acknowledged Muhammad Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Emirs.
KANO FOCUS reports that the unexpected gesture occurred during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo, at Government House, Kano—an event attended by top political leaders and traditional rulers.
While delivering his goodwill message, Ganduje addressed Sanusi by his full royal title, drawing immediate attention from dignitaries at the ceremony. The audience responded with loud applause when he greeted the Emir and recognised his position as head of the Kano Emirate Council.
The development is particularly significant given the long-standing rift between the two figures. Sanusi was removed from the throne during Ganduje’s administration, a decision that sparked widespread political and legal controversy at the time.
However, the political landscape shifted following the emergence of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, under whose administration Sanusi was reinstated as Emir of Kano.
Observers say Ganduje’s public acknowledgment signals a possible easing of tensions and may point to broader efforts at reconciliation within Kano’s political and traditional institutions.
The moment has since been described by analysts as a “twist of fate” in Kano politics, where former rivalries appear to be giving way to cautious gestures of respect among key actors.
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