The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has raised concerns over the 14-year prison sentence handed to a Christian woman in Borno State, saying the case raises questions about religious freedom and fundamental human rights.
The woman, identified as Lami Samuel Dawa, was reportedly sentenced by a Borno State High Court in a judgment dated May 5, 2026.
In a statement issued Saturday and signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN said it was particularly concerned by reports linking the case to the conversion of an adult woman to Christianity.
However, the association said the exact circumstances and legal basis of the conviction were still being verified.
“The Association believes that every individual has the right to freely choose, change or practise their religion or belief without coercion, intimidation or unlawful punishment,” the statement said.
CAN disclosed that an appeal had been filed against the conviction, adding that it was committed to allowing the judicial process to run its course.
The case has also attracted attention from the Christian Lawyers Fellowship of Nigeria (CLASFON), which represented Dawa and four other defendants during the trial.
The chairman of its Maiduguri branch, Ephraim Yidawi, cautioned against presenting the case as one in which Dawa was convicted simply for converting a girl to Christianity.
He said the allegations included conspiracy to abduct a child, taking the child away from parental custody and interfering with her education and religious practice.
Yidawi said the court convicted Dawa of depriving a parent of the lawful custody of his child, while the other four defendants were discharged and acquitted.
CLASFON also confirmed that an appeal had been initiated.
CAN urged authorities to protect the rights of everyone involved and ensure that justice is served in accordance with the Constitution and the law.
The association said it would continue to monitor the case and engage relevant authorities through legal channels.
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