In Borno, Lami Samuel Dawa, a Christian woman, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for what the state deemed an illegal conversion of a Muslim woman to Christianity. The incident happened in the Gwoza Local Government Area.
Dawa was convicted and sentenced by a Borno State High Court. The judgment has sparked outrage across the country, with many describing it as an utter miscarriage of justice and an affront to religious freedom.
The Charges and the Controversy
The judicial intricacies surrounding this conviction have raised serious concerns among legal experts. Dawa faced five serious charges.
The charges are conspiracy to abduct a child Enticing or inducing a child to leave parental custody, removing a child from the lawful custody of her parents, depriving the child of access to education Interfering with the child’s religious practice and conversion to Christianity.
The judge convicted her mainly under Section 210 of the Borno State Penal Code. This specific law penalises people for taking a child away from legally recognised guardians. However, Dawa’s legal team quickly raised an objection and pointed out a major flaw in the charges filed against Dawa by the state. They strongly argued that the person involved was not a child.
According to multiple reports, the converted woman was in her late thirties. During the trial, this woman was said to have testified in open court. She explicitly told the judge that her conversion to Christianity was of her own accord and she was not coerced. She clearly stated that nobody forced her.
Because of these facts, Dawa’s lawyers argue the child custody law should not apply. An adult has the legal right to make her own religious choices.
Before sentencing, Dawa reportedly told the judge, “I only advised her. That is all”.
Religious Freedom and Reactions
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has strongly condemned the conviction of Dawa and is ready to challenge the conviction at an appellate court. CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, issued a strong public statement on Saturday.
He confirmed that a legal appeal is in progress. Okoh stated that the association remains very concerned about Dawa’s continued stay in prison.
The CAN chairman reminded the public about the Nigerian Constitution. He noted that the constitution clearly guarantees fundamental human rights for all citizens. This specifically includes the freedom of religion. Every Nigerian has the right to freely choose, change, or practise their preferred religion. This must happen without fear, intimidation, or unlawful punishment.
CAN promised to allow the judicial process to take its normal course. However, the group will follow the unfolding events with keen interest. Okoh called on the authorities to ensure true justice prevails.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has also raised similar alarms.
Meanwhile, the Borno State Government claims it is not aware of the conviction. Usman Tar, the Commissioner for Information, dismissed questions by calling it a technical and legal matter.
Safety Fears and the Next Steps
The apprehension and uncertainty engendered by this case have gone beyond the courtroom.
Dawa’s husband, Evangelist Amos Suleman, has been beset by personal trouble since his wife’s legal travails began. According to reports, he was incarcerated for several months by security agencies. He finally secured bail after a long and spirit-crushing predicament. He has also reportedly received constant death threats. These threats ultimately forced him to go into hiding for his safety.
This case underscores the plight of minority rights in Borno State. Gwoza is an area that has already suffered years of extreme violence and attacks due to the Boko Haram insurgency. Cases like this bring even more trepidation and social upheaval to these vulnerable communities.
