WorldStage— The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed deep concern and filed an appeal against the 14-year prison sentence handed to Liyatu Samuel Dawa (popularly known as Lami Dawa), a Christian woman convicted in Borno State.
Dawa was sentenced by Justice A. B. Kumdila of the Borno State High Court under Section 210 of the Penal Code Laws of Borno State.
The prosecution alleged that Dawa actively interfered with religious practices by advising and converting an adult Muslim woman to Christianity in the Gwoza Local Government Area.
The strict ruling, which was delivered without the option of a fine, has sparked widespread outrage regarding constitutional freedoms in Nigeria.
During the court proceedings, the converted woman reportedly testified without coercion, asserting that she acted entirely of her own free will when choosing to embrace the Christian faith.
Despite this clear statement, the court found Dawa guilty, a development that critics and religious liberty advocates say sets a dangerous precedent for a country defined as a secular state under the Nigerian Constitution.
Led by its national leadership, the Christian Association of Nigeria described the sentence as excessive and deeply troubling.
Local leadership groups, including the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and the Christian Lawyers Fellowship of Nigeria, have mobilized to scrutinize the five specific charges leveled against Dawa.
They argue that the prosecution heavily weaponized regional laws to suppress fundamental human rights, specifically the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.
Civil rights advocates and legal bodies are closely watching the appeal. Many argue that the judgment fundamentally undermines Section 38 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which guarantees every citizen the right to change their religion or belief.
As religious tensions simmer over the verdict, CAN has called for calm while demanding an objective, transparent judicial review.
The body emphasizes that true peace can only be maintained in Nigeria if the courts defend the constitutional rights of all citizens equally, regardless of their religious affiliation.
The legal team representing Dawa expressed confidence that the appellate court will reverse the ruling and uphold justice.
