A 22-year-old, Miss Zainab Muhamadu, is set to face trial in court over alleged conversion to Christianity in Zamfara State.
Sahara Reporters reports that family sources said Zainab’s crime is converting to Christianity.
According to the report, Zainab’s journey of faith started when she met Pastor Samuel, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member posted to her area.
Samuel shared his Christian faith with Zainab, leading to her conversion.
However, upon discovering her conversion, authorities arrested Zainab.
Zainab is now set to stand trial this Friday in a Sharia Court, with legal experts and human rights advocates decrying the development 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.”
There are fears that her right to a fair trial may be compromised as urgent calls are presently being made for intervention, with christian communities across the country urged to mobilise in prayer and advocacy.
Lawyers are also reported to be exploring the chance of transferring her case to a secular court.
They argued that as a Christian, Zainab should not be subjected to Islamic jurisprudence.