The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed deep concern and faulted the reported conviction and 14-year imprisonment of a Christian woman, identified as Lami Samuel Dawa, in Borno State, warning that the incident raises serious questions regarding religious freedom and the protection of fundamental human rights guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution.
​In an official statement released on Saturday, October 31, 2026, in Abuja, CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh urged judicial and state authorities to uphold the rule of law and guarantee that every citizen can exercise their constitutional rights without fear of coercion or unlawful punishment.
​Reiterating the association’s position, Archbishop Okoh emphasized that freedom of thought, conscience, and religion remains a cornerstone of a democratic society.
​”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,” Archbishop Okoh stated.
He noted that while CAN is allowing the judicial process to run its course following an appeal already filed on behalf of Dawa, the case highlights the ongoing need to safeguard basic rights across all states.
​Initial public reports had linked Dawa’s conviction, which occurred at the Borno State High Court in Maiduguri on May 5, 2026, to allegations involving religious conversion. CAN noted that precise facts surrounding the verdict were still undergoing verification through appropriate legal channels.
​Clarifying the specific legal grounds of the trial, Ephraim Yidawi, Chairman of the Maiduguri branch of the Christian Lawyers Fellowship of Nigeria (CLASFON) and lead defense counsel for Dawa, dismissed reports that she was sentenced specifically for proselytizing or converting an individual.
​Speaking on the specifics of the trial at the High Court venue in Maiduguri, Yidawi explained that the prosecution’s charges originally included conspiracy to abduct a minor, enticing a child to leave parental custody, depriving her of access to education, and interfering with her religious practice.
​”She was not sentenced for preaching Christianity or trying to convert a girl,” Yidawi clarified, noting that the trial court’s eventual conviction rested on the charge of depriving a parent of the lawful custody of their child. He confirmed that defense attorneys have lodged a formal appeal to challenge the court’s judgment.
​As legal proceedings transition to the appellate court, CAN pledged to monitor all upcoming hearings closely. The leadership reaffirmed its dedication to fostering harmony across Nigeria’s diverse religious landscape while calling for impartial justice.
​”CAN remains committed to the peaceful coexistence of Nigerians of all religious backgrounds and to the protection of the fundamental rights and freedoms of every citizen,” the association concluded.
