"Back in 2020, Yahaya was accused by others on the WhatsApp chat of blasphemy for allegedly insulting the prophet Muhammad.

A violent mob then burned down his house, before Yahaya (above) was arrested by the Hisbah Islamic religious police and then sentenced to death by hanging in a Sharia court.

In the trial, Yahaya didn't even have legal counsel.

Retrial ordered

The conviction was overturned, and a new trial was ordered in January 2021 based on procedural irregularities.

Yahaya appealed the retrial order, arguing that the case should be dismissed entirely, and the blasphemy law be ruled unconstitutional.

In August 2022, a Court of Appeal upheld the constitutionality of the blasphemy law and affirmed the retrial order.

Yahaya has been in prison for over six years, awaiting a decision that will determine whether he will be free, or once again face the death penalty.

Blasphemy laws violate religious freedom

Blasphemy laws punish speech that others find offensive towards their own beliefs or sacred symbols.

Primarily found in countries that implement Islamic Sharia law, they are used to punish and persecute religious minorities, including some minority Muslims like Yahaya. But they are also frequently wielded against Christians, including in Nigeria, and can lead to horrific incidents of mob violence.

Everyone has the right to freely exercise their religion. But blasphemy laws violate religious freedom and international human rights.

In part due to the blasphemy laws in Nigeria, religious persecution is particularly severe in the West African country.

.

.

ADF International is standing alongside Yahaya

Yahaya was due to face court last month, but the Supreme Court abruptly canceled the hearing.

.

ADF International is calling for Yahaya's release and the overturning of blasphemy laws, urging the Court and international bodies to act without further delay.

.

It is rare for the European Parliament to raise the same case twice, demonstrating the gravity and importance of the situation facing Yahaya.

.

.

Thank you for standing with us.

.

With gratitude,

ADF International"