Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has disclosed that it has filed an appeal against the 14-year prison sentence imposed on a woman, Lami Samuel Dawa, by a Borno State High Court over allegations linked to the conversion of a Muslim woman to Christianity.
Gatekeepers News reports that CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, October 31, expressing concern over the woman’s continued imprisonment and the circumstances surrounding her conviction.
The association said it was particularly concerned about reports that the case involved the conversion of an adult Muslim woman to Christianity, although it was still verifying the precise facts and legal basis of the conviction.
“The Association is particularly concerned by reports that the case arose from circumstances involving the conversion of an adult woman to Christianity, although the precise facts and legal basis of the conviction are still being verified,” the statement said.
Okoh said an appeal had been filed against the judgment, adding that the association was committed to allowing the judicial process to run its course.
“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,” he said.
CAN called on the relevant authorities to ensure that the rights of all parties involved were protected and that justice was served in accordance with the Constitution and applicable laws.
The case has attracted attention following reports about the circumstances of the conviction. However, the Chairman of the Maiduguri branch of the Christian Lawyers Fellowship of Nigeria, Ephraim Yidawi, cautioned against presenting the matter as a conviction solely for preaching to or converting a Muslim girl.
Yidawi said Dawa and four other defendants were prosecuted over allegations including conspiracy to abduct a child, enticing a child to leave parental custody, removing the child from her parents’ custody, depriving her of education and interfering with her religious practice.
He explained that Dawa was convicted on the charge of depriving a parent of the lawful custody of his child, while the other four defendants were discharged and acquitted.
The judgment was reportedly delivered on May 5, 2026, by Justice A. B. Kumdila of the Borno State High Court.
Meanwhile, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) also urged Christians to exercise restraint and avoid drawing conclusions without examining the court proceedings.
CAN said it would continue monitoring the case and engage relevant authorities through appropriate legal and institutional channels.
