NSCEA warns of prosecution of Christian convert as Zamfara govt denies story
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Ecclesiastical Affairs (NSCEA) has warned against arraigning Zainab, a Christian convert in Zamfara State before a Sharia law court.
NSCEA said it was concerned about the recent case of Zainab, a Christian convert in Zamfara State who is set to be arraigned in a Sharia court for switching her religion on Friday.
The body has urged the federal, state government and authorities to ensure that Zainab’s rights are protected by not exposing her to a Sharia court of law as a Christian and a believer in Christ.
This as Zamfara government denied that the story is false as there was no arraignment of any convert in the state.
In a statement signed by Bishop Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, Secretary, NSCEA, stated: “We demand respect for religious freedom as enshrined in the Nigerian constitution, thus emphasizing the importance of respecting individuals’ rights to choose and practice their faith without fear of persecution, intimidation, harassment or discrimination is our secular state, Nigeria.
“The Bible teaches us that we should respect and obey the authorities that God has established (Romans 13:1-2). However, this does not mean that we should compromise our faith or values. In fact, the Bible encourages us to stand up for what is right and just, even in the face of adversity (Proverbs 31:8-9). The right to religious freedom in Nigeria is constitutional and incontestable.
“Every individual has the right to choose their religion and practice it freely, without fear of persecution or discrimination. This right is also enshrined in the Bible, where we are told that “the Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). This verse highlights God’s desire for all people to come to repentance and faith, and it emphasizes the importance of respecting individual choices when it comes to matters of faith.
“Therefore, to ensure a fair and impartial trial, the NSCEA is calling for Zainab’s case to be heard in a Secular court, an Ecclesiastical court rather than a Sharia court. This would help to guarantee that the trial is conducted in accordance with the principles of justice and fairness, and that Zainab’s rights are protected. As the Bible says, ‘Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause” (Isaiah 1:17). This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking justice and protecting the rights of the vulnerable.
“This case highlights the need for tolerance and understanding in a diverse society. People of different faiths and backgrounds must be able to coexist peacefully, and the rights of all individuals must be respected and protected. As the Bible says, “Love your neighbour as yourself” (Mark 12:31). This verse emphasizes the importance of treating others with love, respect, and kindness, regardless of their background or faith. The NSCEA’s therefore warns the Zamfara Sharia Court not to array a member of the Christian faith in their court unagreeably and forciablely.”
NSCEA reaffirmed its commitment to working towards a Nigerian society where people of all faiths can live together in peace and harmony. “We condemn in totality the plan to prosecute Zainab, at all for her choice of religion. We at NSCEA stand strongly in solidarity with her and we call on all Nigerians to support her in order to demonstrate respect for the rights and dignity of others, regardless of their religious beliefs and faith,” the body said.
The 22-year-old Miss Zainab Muhamadu is said to face the death penalty.
Family sources said that her crime is converting to Christianity.
Zainab’s journey of faith began when she encountered Pastor Samuel, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member posted to her area.
Samuel had treated Zainab with dignity and shared his Christian faith with her.
Their bond later blossomed around shared values and spiritual connection.
Upon discovering her conversion, authorities arrested Zainab. She is now scheduled to stand trial in a Sharia Court — a move legal experts and human rights advocates are decrying as a gross violation of Nigeria’s constitutional right to religious freedom.
“This is not just a test of one woman’s faith,” said an Adamawa-based human rights lawyer.
“It’s a test of Nigeria’s soul — of whether we truly uphold the right to choose one’s faith.”
As fears grow that her right to a fair trial may be compromised in a state where the judiciary is heavily influenced by Islamic authorities, urgent calls are being made for intervention.
Christian communities across Nigeria are being urged to mobilise in prayer and advocacy.
Legal teams are also exploring the possibility of transferring her case to a secular court, arguing that as a Christian, Zainab should not be subjected to Islamic jurisprudence.
Meanwhile, Pastor Samuel is reportedly under immense emotional and spiritual strain, with many calling for protection and support for him as well.
Apostasy (Arabic: riddah) refers to the act of a Muslim renouncing Islam—whether by converting to another religion, rejecting Islamic beliefs, or ceasing to practice the faith.
Under classical Islamic jurisprudence, apostasy has traditionally been treated as a capital offence, based on Hadith rather than the Qur’an.
Many modern scholars argue that faith must be voluntary, and that punishing belief contradicts the essence of the Qur’an.
Still, apostasy laws remain enforced in countries like Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Sudan, though international human rights groups continue to challenge them.
Meanwhile, Zamfara government has debunked the story.
In a statement, the Zamfara Governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, dismissed the report as false and attributed it to social media platforms aimed at generating traffic.
Idris said that it has been verified beyond a reasonable doubt that no such case exists before any Sharia Court in Zamfara State.
It reads, “The attention of the Zamfara State Government has been drawn to mischievous fake news circulating about a 22-year-old Miss Zainab Muhamadu, who is facing the death penalty for converting to Christianity.
“We want to categorically state that it is the handiwork of enemies of peace, who are hellbent on creating a tension where there is none.
“The fake news, which was spread on social media by an online platform notorious for circulating unverified stories and falsehoods, is nothing more than a failed attempt to disrupt peace.
“The Zamfara State Government has acted swiftly by summoning all relevant authorities and security agencies to verify the authenticity of the story, which ultimately proved to be a blatant falsehood created by Sahara Reporters.
“To ensure accountability and certainty, the state government has confirmed with the Grand Khadi of the Zamfara Sharia Court of Appeal regarding any similar cases. He stated that there has never been such a case before any Shari’a court in Zamfara State.
“The question is, where does this perilous and divisive narrative originate? What are its underlying motives? What do those promoting this story hope to accomplish in the long run?
“We are living in intriguing times. Media platforms that should provide the public with verified stories are becoming complacent, merely copying and pasting content from social media accounts eager for likes and comments.
The statement further disclosed that the woman whose picture was used in the “fake news” is not Nigerian, adding that her name is Aalia, who is from Texas, United States.
“The Zamfara State Government believes it is essential to clarify that nothing of this nature is happening in the state. This situation exemplifies yellow journalism that we must all denounce.
“We urge the relevant security agencies to investigate the source of this fake, misguided story, which seeks to create significant religious tension, and prosecute anyone found responsible. We must all do our part to ensure the peace of this country,” the statement concluded.
