Amina Lawal - another woman facing death by stoning

A week before Safiya's acquittal the Federal Minister of Justice wrote to Regional authorities to declare that these penalties are a contravention of the Nigerian constitution.

However, the Nigerian Constitution also protects individual States - such as Katsina State- from interference by the Nigerian Federal Government. Leaders of the Northern states have yet to respond in a positive manner to the Federal government's declaration.

Early hopes that the close alliance between the Federal Government and the Governor of Katsina State would result in a positive outcome for Amina were dashed recently. A spokesperson for the Katsina State authorities, Ibrahim Abdullahi, said that the Governor would not intefere in the appeal process, and predicted that if the appeal was turned down, Amina Lawal would be executed.

"If the appeal court confirms her as guilty, she will be executed," he said.

This will entail burying Amina up to her waist and stoning her until she is dead.

What can YOU do to help

At this critical stage, it is of crucial importance to build on the successful campaign that saved Safiya.

It is vital that the Nigerian Federal Government is given support to fulfil its human rights commitments.

People from all round the world can play their part in encouraging Nigeria to do the right thing: to end inhumane and cruel sentences in its territory and to ensure human rights for all Nigerians.

You can help make a difference by encouraging the Nigerian government to focus on delivering its pledges to its own people and to the international community by writing to both the Nigerian and Australian politicians.

• You can sign our open letter to the President of Nigeria
• In our campaign resource section, you can find contact details including e-mail addresses for Nigerian and UK politicians with practical information on how you can take action.