CAPA Seeks Urgent Review Of Reported 14-Year Jail Sentence For Christian Woman In Borno

The Council of American Peace Advocates (CAPA) has called for an urgent, independent review of the reported 14-year prison sentence imposed on a Christian woman, Liyatu Samuel Dawa, in Borno State over allegations linked to sharing her faith.

The US-based international organisation expressed concern over the reported conviction, urging Nigerian judicial authorities and relevant government institutions to examine the case in line with the Constitution and the country’s human rights obligations.

CAPA made the appeal in an official press statement dated October 19, 2026, signed by its Director, Professor Wanda Page.

The organisation said the circulating account alleged that Dawa was prosecuted under Section 210 of the Borno State Penal Code following allegations arising from her sharing the Christian faith with another adult woman.

According to the account cited by CAPA, the woman who reportedly embraced Christianity testified that her decision was voluntary and involved no coercion, deception or inducement.

However, CAPA acknowledged that it had not independently obtained the certified judgment or the complete court proceedings, stressing the need for a transparent and impartial examination of the allegations.

The organisation maintained that no Nigerian should be imprisoned merely for peacefully professing, sharing or changing religious beliefs.
Citing Section 38(1) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, CAPA noted that every person is entitled to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, including the freedom to change religion or belief.

It also referenced Sections 36, 39 and 42 of the Constitution, which provide for fair hearing, freedom of expression and protection against discrimination, respectively.

The organisation further emphasised the supremacy of the Constitution under Section 1(3), arguing that laws must be applied consistently with constitutional guarantees.

CAPA called on President Bola Tinubu, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Borno State Government, relevant judicial authorities and the National Human Rights Commission to give the matter urgent attention within their respective responsibilities.

It urged the relevant authorities to independently examine the judgment, the charges, the evidence presented in court and the statutory provisions reportedly applied in the case.

The group also called for access to legal representation and appropriate appellate remedies for Dawa, including consideration of bail or other lawful relief pending appeal.

It further requested an investigation into the reported application of Section 210 to determine whether the alleged conduct meets the legal requirements of the offence.

CAPA said any conviction found to be legally defective or constitutionally impermissible should be addressed through appropriate judicial remedies.
The organisation also urged authorities to protect both Dawa and the woman reportedly involved in the religious conversion from intimidation, harassment or retaliation.

While affirming its respect for the independence of the Nigerian judiciary, CAPA said judicial independence should go hand in hand with constitutional accountability, fair hearing and the protection of fundamental human rights.

It warned that, if the reported circumstances were confirmed, a 14-year prison sentence for peaceful religious communication would raise serious questions about legality, proportionality and religious freedom.

“Religious freedom is not exclusively a Christian right or a Muslim right. It is an inalienable right belonging to every Nigerian,” the organisation stated.
CAPA called for the matter to be examined without prejudice, sectarian hostility or political interference, stressing that every Nigerian deserves equal protection under the law, regardless of religious belief.

The organisation reiterated its commitment to peaceful coexistence, interfaith harmony and human dignity, declaring that the reported case should be treated as a matter of constitutional rights rather than religious division.

It concluded that the call for justice for Dawa was also a call to safeguard the fundamental rights of all Nigerians.

CAPA’s position remains a call for an urgent review; the organisation said it had not independently verified the certified judgment or the full court proceedings.