Zamfara Govt Debunks Report Of Sharia Trial For Christian Convert
The Zamfara State Government has dismissed reports claiming a 22-year-old woman, Zainab Muhamadu, is facing trial in a Sharia Court for converting to Christianity.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, described the report as false and misleading, saying it was fabricated by social media accounts seeking attention.
He said, “The attention of the Zamfara State Government has been drawn to mischievous fake news circulating about a 22-year-old Miss Zainab Muhamadu, who is facing the death penalty for converting to Christianity. We want to categorically state that it is the handiwork of enemies of peace, who are hellbent on creating tension where there is none.”
Idris noted that investigations by the state government, in collaboration with relevant authorities and security agencies, revealed that no such case exists in any Sharia Court in Zamfara.
“To ensure accountability and certainty, we confirmed with the Grand Khadi of the Zamfara Sharia Court of Appeal, and he affirmed that there has never been such a case before any Sharia court in the state,” the statement added.
He further disclosed that the woman whose photo was circulated online is not a Nigerian, but an American named Aalia from Texas.
“This fake news, pushed by Sahara Reporters and other unreliable sources, is a desperate attempt to stir religious unrest and disrupt the peace we enjoy in Zamfara State,” Idris said.
He condemned the rise of what he termed “yellow journalism,” urging media outlets to verify their stories before publication instead of recycling falsehoods from social media.
The government called on security agencies to trace the origin of the report and prosecute those behind it, warning that such inciting narratives could endanger national unity.
“We must all do our part to ensure the peace of this country,” he said.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
