Liyatu Samuel Dawa, a Christian woman in Borno State, has reportedly been sentenced to 14 years in prison in a case linked to an adult woman’s conversion to Christianity.
Her husband, Evangelist Amos Suleman, reportedly went into hiding after receiving threats, while lawyers prepare to challenge the conviction.
The case, which attracted attention after reports by ARISE News, has sparked heated reactions on social media over religious freedom and Nigeria’s legal system.
A 14-year prison sentence has been handed to a Christian woman in Borno State over a case religious conversion has sparked heated reactions across social media. The woman, identified in reports as Liyatu Samuel Dawa, reportedly received the sentence despite testimony from the adult woman at the centre of the case that she embraced Christianity voluntarily.
The development has also raised concerns about religious freedom and the safety of Dawa’s family, with her husband reportedly forced into hiding following threats.
What happened to Christian Woman Liyatu Samuel Dawa in Borno?
Reports on the case, which also attracted attention from ARISE News, identified Dawa as a Christian woman from Borno State.
She reportedly discussed Christianity with an adult Muslim woman who later converted to the faith. During the court proceedings, the woman reportedly maintained that nobody forced, deceived or pressured her into making the decision.
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However, Dawa was convicted under Section 210 of the Penal Code Laws of Borno State, a provision reportedly relating to depriving a parent or guardian of the lawful custody of a child.
Before her sentencing, Dawa reportedly appealed to the court for mercy, explaining that she did not intend to harm the woman and had only advised her.
Her plea was reportedly unsuccessful, as she received a 14-year prison sentence.
Husband reportedly goes into hiding
The case has also raised concerns about the safety of Dawa’s family.
Her husband, Evangelist Amos Suleman, reportedly went into hiding after receiving threats to his life. He has also expressed concern about his wife’s imprisonment and the difficulties surrounding his ability to visit her.
Dawa’s lawyers are challenging the conviction, arguing that the relevant provision of the law was wrongly applied and that the proceedings raise questions about Nigeria’s constitutional protection of religious freedom.
The case has attracted attention because of the questions it raises about the relationship between criminal law, religious freedom and the rights of individuals to choose their faith.
Nigerians react to Borno woman’s conviction
The development has triggered different opinions on X, with some users questioning religious laws in Nigeria and others expressing concerns about religious intolerance.
Here are some of the reactions:
@Joseph_dom626 wrote:
“Religion of peace but 99.9% of terrorists are Muslims…
Your clearly clearly states to kill infidels…
You say there are good Muslims but I’ve not seen any condemning the killing of Christians in the North…..”
@DelegsT wrote:
“One of the major reasons I support Tinubu’s restructuring.
We are simply not same people and never will be”
@love_aint_real7 wrote:
“Those northern muslims useless gan
Are they not ashamed?
They carry religion for head, see as their life quality low for there”
@Elozona__ wrote:
“Religion is arguably the most dangerous thing ever invented by man. Through it, countless atrocities and unimaginable acts of nonsense have been committed against humanity. Christianity is no exception – it is by no means the lesser evil.”
@Joseph_dom626 also wrote:
“This is a Secular Country…..
I even heard we have Sharia Court in this country…
that’s bullshit 💯
This is the problem I have with Muslims….
You never respect where you are ..always want to establish your own laws…..
When people speak out…
You call it islamaphobia 🧎”
Watch the video here:
JUST IN: a Christian woman has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for converting a muslim adult to a Christian in Borno state https://t.co/ou5bsarzlJ
— Nigeria Stories (@NigeriaStories) October 30, 2026
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