The Islamic Court of Appeals of this northern Nigerian city accepted the defense’s arguments that Sarimu Mohammed, 54, was mentally ill. The court ordered him sent to a psychiatric hospital.
Since the 1999 introduction of Islamic law in 12 northern states, there have been no executions by stoning. Amina Lawal is waiting to make a second appeal against the death sentence imposed on her. The 32-year-old single mother was convicted last year of having sex outside marriage.