Nigeria’s Christian Association challenges conviction in Borno
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Vanguard
The Christian Association of Nigeria is contesting the reported conviction and imprisonment of a Christian woman in Borno State in a case linked to an adult’s conversion to Christianity. Its president, Daniel Okoh, said an appeal had been filed and called for religious freedoms to be respected, according to Vanguard.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) is contesting the reported conviction and imprisonment of a Christian woman in Borno State, identified in reports circulating under the name Lami Samuel Dawa, Vanguard reports. The case reportedly concerns an adult woman’s conversion to Christianity, but CAN says the precise facts and legal basis for the conviction are still being verified.
The association announced through its president, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, that an appeal had been filed. It is calling on the authorities to guarantee everyone’s right to choose, change or practise their religion without coercion or unlawful punishment, while saying it intends to follow the judicial process and engage with the relevant institutions.
CAN’s challenge comes after Christian organisations published a call for caution over a 14-year prison sentence on 30 October. It reflects concerns expressed by these organisations about protecting religious freedoms and fundamental rights.
