The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) Nigeria has accused the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) of misrepresenting the facts surrounding the conviction of Mrs. Lami Samuel Dawa, also known as Liyatu Samuel Dawa, warning that the development could undermine interfaith relations and public confidence in the judicial process.
In a press statement issued on Sunday, MPAC’s Executive Chairman, Disu Kamor, faulted CAN’s recent intervention in the case, particularly its description of the convicted woman as having been involved in the conversion of an adult woman.
MPAC maintained that the description contradicted the records of the Borno State High Court, which convicted Dawa following a case involving allegations of child abduction, enticement away from parental custody, deprivation of schooling and interference with a minor’s religious practice.
According to the organisation, the judgment in Suit No. BOHC/MG/CR/154/2025, delivered on May 5, 2026, by Justice A. B. Kumdila of the Borno State High Court, Maiduguri Judicial Division, involved six charges against Dawa and four other defendants.
The charges included conspiracy to abduct a child, enticing a child away from parental custody, unlawful removal of a child, depriving a child of education, interfering with a 16-year-old girl’s religious practice and conversion, and screening an offender and evidence.
MPAC said all five defendants pleaded not guilty, while the prosecution presented four witnesses, including the girl at the centre of the case.
Citing the court judgment, the organisation said the complainant testified that she was 13 years old and in Junior Secondary School 3 when a teacher allegedly began giving her gifts.
She reportedly told the court that she was subsequently taken to the homes of some defendants and a church before being moved to Jos, where she was enrolled in a Bible school for new converts.
MPAC further stated that the girl testified that, upon returning home, Dawa allegedly told her that her parents intended to kill her, collected money meant for her WAEC registration and provided her with a mobile phone, SIM card and change of clothes.
The organisation noted that four of the defendants were discharged and acquitted, while Dawa was convicted, stressing that the court’s decision reflected its assessment of the evidence against each defendant.
It also referenced the position of the Christian Lawyers Fellowship of Nigeria (CLASFON), Maiduguri Branch, which represented the defendants during the trial. According to MPAC, the legal organisation had clarified that the allegations went beyond evangelism and cautioned against portraying the conviction as one arising from preaching.
MPAC also cited the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), which reportedly urged restraint, noting that publicly available information did not reflect the full circumstances of the case.
The organisation’s reaction followed a statement issued on October 31 by CAN National President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, expressing concern over the conviction and raising issues relating to religious freedom and constitutional rights.
CAN’s statement reportedly referred to the conversion of an adult woman but also acknowledged that the precise facts and legal basis of the conviction were still being verified.
Questioning the association’s position, MPAC asked why CAN would publicly frame the case as a religious-freedom violation while admitting that it had yet to establish the facts.
Kamor argued that the court record identified the complainant as a 16-year-old girl at the time of the relevant events and documented her testimony that her contact with the defendants began when she was 13.
He maintained that the matter should be viewed within the context of child protection, parental rights and the welfare of minors rather than being reduced to a dispute over religious evangelism.
While reaffirming its support for Section 38 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of thought, conscience and religion, including the right to change one’s religion, MPAC argued that such rights must be considered alongside existing child-protection laws.
The organisation referenced the Child’s Rights Act 2003, which defines a child as anyone below 18 years, and the Borno State Child Protection Law 2021, which provides safeguards against the unlawful removal of children from parental custody and interference with their education and welfare.
MPAC maintained that freedom of religion should not be used to justify actions that compromise a child’s welfare or circumvent parental responsibility.
On the ongoing legal proceedings, the organisation acknowledged that an appeal had been filed but said reports differed over whether CAN or CLASFON had initiated it on Dawa’s behalf.
It said it respected the right of appeal and recognised the Court of Appeal as the appropriate institution to review the evidence, findings and sentence.
However, MPAC criticised what it described as an attempt to litigate the matter in the court of public opinion while the appeal remained pending, warning against actions capable of undermining confidence in the judiciary.
The organisation also expressed concern about the implications of the controversy for the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), which is jointly led by CAN and the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).
According to MPAC, NIREC was established to promote religious understanding, prevent the politicisation of religious differences and encourage responsible engagement among faith leaders.
It argued that CAN’s handling of the Dawa case could weaken the council’s credibility if religious leaders failed to verify sensitive information before making public statements.
MPAC called on CAN to withdraw its description of the complainant as an adult woman, acknowledge that the prosecution involved child-protection and penal provisions, and publicly clarify its position on the rights and welfare of the girl and her family.
It also urged the Christian body to allow the appellate process to proceed without public pressure and reaffirm its commitment to factual and impartial engagement within NIREC.
Additionally, MPAC appealed to the Borno State Government to take responsibility for ensuring the safety and welfare of the family involved, given the national attention the case has attracted.
The organisation reiterated its commitment to peaceful coexistence but insisted that sustainable interfaith relations must be built on factual accuracy, fairness and respect for the rule of law.
Kamor said CAN needed to examine its role in Nigeria’s interfaith relations if it wished to remain a credible partner in promoting religious harmony.