A Kano State High Court has ordered a retrial of Kano singer, Yahya Sharif, sentenced to death by hanging by an upper shariah court for blasphemy because of procedural errors and irregularities at the lower court.
The court also discharged and acquitted Omar Faruk who was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for being a minor and without legal representation.
An Upper Shariah Court handed down the sentences on the duo on August 10, 2020. Both judgments were appealed against and taken to the Kano State High Court.
The court has ordered the retrial of Yahya Sharif at the Upper Shariah Court with a legal representation of his choice.
Also Read: Buhari congratulates Biden, says Nigeria looks forward to working with US
Justice Nasiru Saminu said that the retrial order is based on the prophetic tradition that said ‘suspend capital punishment if in doubt’.
Attorney General of Kano State, Lawal Musa, described the judgement as a victory for justice in Kano state.
