an Islamic appeal court in Nigeria overturned a sentence of death

an Islamic appeal court in Nigeria overturned a sentence of death by stoning handed down to a 29-year-old pregnant woman for having sex out of wedlock. 
Hajara Ibrahim was convicted of adultery in September 2004 with her capital sentence suspended until after she gave birth. She lodged her appeal one week ago.
Judge Mohammed Mustapha Umar, sitting in the Dass upper sharia court, said the conviction was unsound and set the woman free.
"This court has annulled the lower court judgment," he said.
The Lere lower court, in the Tafawa Balewa area of Bauchi state, had sentenced Ms Ibrahim to 100 lashes and death by stoning after she confessed to having unlawful sex with a 35-year-old man, Dauda Sani. Mr Sani was released for lack of evidence.
Judge Umar annulled the conviction because, he said, it was incorrect to deliver two sentences for the same crime. Also, the confession was void because it was not made four times, as required under sharia law, and Ms Ibrahim was not given the chance to defend herself. "The court has therefore set Hajara free of all charges," said the judge.