Amnesty International has called on the Kano State government to eliminate its blasphemy law, following a significant ruling by the Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
As reported by Naija News, the ECOWAS Court on Wednesday declared that sections of the Kano Penal Code and the Sharia Penal Code that criminalize blasphemy are incompatible with both regional and international human rights standards.
In a statement released on Saturday, Amnesty International praised the verdict, describing it as a step toward upholding fundamental freedoms and protecting citizens’ rights in the state.
“Amnesty International welcomes the decision of the Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States which ruled that Kano State’s blasphemy laws violate international human rights obligations.”
The organization expressed concern over the consequences of the law’s enforcement, stating that it has frequently led to human rights abuses in the state.
“Kano’s blasphemy law consistently led to gross violations including arbitrary arrests, prolonged detention, and in some cases lynching and death sentences. Enforcement of these laws infringed on the right to freedom of expression and encouraged mob violence.”
Amnesty International also pointed out that certain provisions in the law lack the necessary legal clarity, thereby enabling acts of violence under the guise of punishing alleged blasphemy.
“Some sections of Kano’s blasphemy law are vague and overboard and fall short of the legal clarity required under human rights law. This had empowered mobs to commit violence in the name of reaction to alleged blasphemy,” it said.
The group urged Governor Abba Yusuf to begin implementing the court’s decision without delay.
“Amnesty International appeals to Abba Yusuf to urgently consider immediate implementation of the ruling of ECOWAS court to ensure compliance with Nigeria’s constitution and the country’s international human rights obligations,” it added.
