By Safiyat Muhameed
Gusau, Zamfara State – May 20, 2025
A rising storm of national and international concern has erupted in Zamfara State, where 22-year-old Zainab Muhamadu is set to appear before a Sharia Court this Friday for allegedly converting from Islam to Christianity.
Zainab’s only “crime,” according to her family and human rights advocates, is her decision to embrace the Christian faith — a move that could see her face the death penalty under apostasy laws.
Family sources revealed to SaharaReporters that her journey of faith began when she encountered Pastor Samuel, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member assigned to her community. Their connection, rooted in mutual respect and shared values, eventually led to Zainab’s religious conversion.
“He treated her with dignity and helped her explore Christianity,” a relative shared. “She found peace and conviction in her new faith.”
However, upon learning of her conversion, local authorities arrested Zainab, accusing her of apostasy — a charge that carries capital punishment in some interpretations of Islamic jurisprudence.
Legal and Constitutional Concerns
Legal experts and civil society organizations are now questioning the constitutionality of the trial.
“This is not just a test of one woman’s faith. It’s a test of Nigeria’s soul — of whether we truly uphold the right to choose one’s faith,” said a prominent human rights lawyer from Adamawa.
Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, making it illegal to punish citizens based on their spiritual choices. However, in some northern states practicing Sharia law, parallel legal systems often clash with federal guarantees.
Human rights organizations argue that as a Christian, Zainab should not be subjected to Sharia laws. Legal teams are reportedly working to transfer the case to a secular court, fearing that a fair trial may be compromised.
Pastor Under Pressure, Nation on Edge
Meanwhile, Pastor Samuel, the NYSC member linked to Zainab’s conversion, is said to be under immense emotional and spiritual strain. Calls are mounting for his safety and protection, amid fears of potential backlash.
Across Nigeria, Christian communities are being urged to pray and advocate for Zainab’s freedom. Several rights organizations are reportedly preparing to launch urgent appeals at local and international levels.
Apostasy in Context
In Islamic theology, apostasy (riddah) refers to abandoning Islam, either through renunciation or conversion. While the Qur’an emphasizes freedom of belief, certain Hadith have historically formed the basis for treating apostasy as a capital offence.
Countries such as Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Sudan still enforce such laws, though they face continued pressure from global human rights watchdogs.
Modern Islamic scholars and reformists increasingly argue that faith must be voluntary, and that punishing conversion contradicts the essence of Islam’s holy teachings.
What’s at Stake?
Zainab’s case is shaping up to be a watershed moment for religious freedom in Nigeria. Her life literally hangs in the balance as she awaits trial on Friday.
Observers warn that the outcome of this case could set a dangerous precedent — either reinforcing religious intolerance or affirming the right of every Nigerian to believe freely.