The United Kingdom has condemned Nigeria’s plan to executive Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, a Kano musician who was sentenced to death for blasphemy.

A Sharia Court in Kano State sentenced Yahaya Sharif-Aminu to death after a song of his alleged to have blasphemed prophet Muhammad.

The British Commission in Nigeria through its Senior Press and Public Affairs Officer, Christopher Ogunmodede, said that the musician has the right to express himself as allowed in a free society.

“The United Kingdom is firmly committed to promoting and protecting the right to freedom of religion or belief around the world, and to being a strong voice internationally in defence of this fundamental right.

“We believe that the rights of individuals to express opinions and peacefully challenge authorities are essential to a free and open society. We will continue to monitor the situation closely. It is a longstanding policy of the UK Government to oppose the death penalty, in all circumstances, as a matter of principle.”, Ogunmodede said.