A Kano State high court (appeal division) has set aside the death sentence imposed on Yahya Sharif Aminu, a Kano-based singer, convicted for blasphemy.
Nuraddeen Sagir, the state chief judge, who presided over the case, delivered judgement on Thursday
He said the trial was full of irregularities as the appellant was not given legal representation.
According to him, the judgement of an upper Sharia court contravened section 2-6-9 of the administration of the criminal justice act.
This had sparked nationwide outrage.
Abdullahi Ganduje, governor of Kano, had said he would not waste time in signing Aminu’s death warrant.
The United Kingdom had opposed the death penalty passed on the singer, saying people have the right to freely express opinions and peacefully challenge authorities.
In October, Aminu’s lawyers filed an appeal at the state appellate court.
