A 30-year-old man, Yahaya Sharif-Aminu is to die by hanging over a WhatsApp post which led to his conviction for blasphemy by an Upper Shari’a Court sitting in Kano.
The gospel singer was found guilty of blaspheming the Prophet Muhammed by praising a local imam from the Tijaniya Muslim brotherhood in one line of a song circulated on WhatsApp.
The family house of the singer, who has been in detention since March, was burnt by irate muslims who protested the continued circulation of the offending video by WhatsApp users .
The Prosecution Counsel, Inspector Aminu Yar-Goje, had alleged that the convict with the intention to hurt the feelings of Muslims faithful, made a blasphemous post via a WhatsApp group platform named: “Gidan Umma Abiha”.
“The convict made blasphemous and degrading audio remarks against Prophet Muhammad (PBUH),” he said.
Aminu, who resides at Sharifai Quarters of Kano Municipal, was dragged before the court by the police on a count charge of inciting religious creed contrary to section 382 (6) of Kano State Sharia Panel Code Law 2000.
The trial Judge, Khadi Muhammad Ali-Kani, said the offence was against the Islamic Law and thereafter sentenced the convict to death by hanging under section 382 (b) of Kano State Sharia Panel Code Law 2000.
In his submission before the court, Sharif-Aminu pleaded guilty to the charge.
The court however granted a 30-day grace to appeal the judgment.
Segun Fatuase
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