diff --git a/openpgp/write.go b/openpgp/write.go
index e471174..15aaa1a 100644
--- a/openpgp/write.go
+++ b/openpgp/write.go
@@ -6,14 +6,15 @@ package openpgp
 
 import (
 	"crypto"
-	"golang.org/x/crypto/openpgp/armor"
-	"golang.org/x/crypto/openpgp/errors"
-	"golang.org/x/crypto/openpgp/packet"
-	"golang.org/x/crypto/openpgp/s2k"
 	"hash"
 	"io"
 	"strconv"
 	"time"
+
+	"golang.org/x/crypto/openpgp/armor"
+	"golang.org/x/crypto/openpgp/errors"
+	"golang.org/x/crypto/openpgp/packet"
+	"golang.org/x/crypto/openpgp/s2k"
 )
 
 // DetachSign signs message with the private key from signer (which must
@@ -176,6 +177,9 @@ func Encrypt(ciphertext io.Writer, to []*Entity, signed *Entity, hints *FileHint
 			return nil, errors.InvalidArgumentError("no valid signing keys")
 		}
 		signer = signKey.PrivateKey
+		if signer == nil {
+			return nil, errors.InvalidArgumentError("no private key in signing key")
+		}
 		if signer.Encrypted {
 			return nil, errors.InvalidArgumentError("signing key must be decrypted")
 		}