The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has disclosed that an appeal has been filed against the reported conviction and imprisonment of a Christian woman, Lami Samuel Dawa, in Borno State.
The association, through its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, expressed concern over the case, which has been linked in public reports to the conversion of an adult woman to Christianity.
In a statement, Archbishop Okoh said the association was particularly concerned about the implications of the case for religious freedom and the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution.
He noted that since an appeal had been filed, CAN was committed to allowing the judicial process to run its course.
According to him, every individual has the right to freely choose, change or practise their religion or belief without coercion, intimidation or unlawful punishment.
The CAN president called on 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.
He added that the association would continue to monitor developments in the case and engage relevant authorities through appropriate legal and institutional channels.
Archbishop Okoh also reiterated CAN’s commitment to peaceful coexistence among Nigerians of different religious backgrounds, stressing the importance of protecting the fundamental rights and freedoms of every citizen.
The association urged Nigerians to allow the legal process to take its course while awaiting further clarification on the circumstances surrounding the conviction.
