Liyatu Dawa: Adesanya-Davies Backs CAPA’s Call for Urgent Judicial Review

Bishop Prof. Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies has backed the Council of American Peace Advocates (CAPA) in its call for an urgent independent review of the reported 14-year prison sentence imposed on Liyatu Samuel Dawa in Borno State over an alleged religious-related offence.

Adesanya-Davies, in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, called on the Federal Government, Borno State authorities and relevant judicial institutions to examine the judgment, ensure Dawa has access to legal representation and protect the constitutional rights of all persons involved.

The bishop, educationist and peace advocate described the reported sentence as troubling, particularly in view of claims that Dawa was convicted over sharing her Christian faith with another adult woman who reportedly said her conversion was voluntary.

She stressed that religious freedom, freedom of expression and the right to a fair hearing were constitutionally protected and should be upheld irrespective of religious affiliation.

Adesanya-Davies said she aligned with CAPA’s appeal for a transparent and impartial examination of the case, including the charges, evidence presented and constitutional implications of the reported conviction.

According to her, the authorities should also investigate the application of Section 210 of the Borno State Penal Code, under which Dawa was reportedly prosecuted for an offence relating to interference with lawful parental custody.

She questioned whether the alleged conduct met the legal requirements of the offence and whether the reported 14-year sentence was proportionate to the circumstances of the case.

The bishop called for urgent access to appellate remedies, including consideration of bail pending appeal, where legally appropriate.

She further urged the relevant authorities to ensure that any conviction found to be legally defective or constitutionally impermissible receives appropriate judicial relief.

Adesanya-Davies also called for protection against religious discrimination and intimidation, urging authorities to safeguard both Dawa and the woman who reportedly changed her faith voluntarily.

While acknowledging the independence of the judiciary, she said judicial independence should go hand in hand with constitutional accountability and the protection of fundamental rights.

She urged President Bola Tinubu, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Borno State Government, the Chief Judge of Borno State and the National Human Rights Commission to give the matter urgent attention.

The bishop added that the case should be examined without prejudice, sectarian hostility or political interference, insisting that the law should protect Nigerians of all religious beliefs equally.

CAPA Calls for Urgent Justice

Adesanya-Davies’ intervention follows a press statement issued on October 19 by the Council of American Peace Advocates, led by its Director, Prof. Wanda Page, calling for urgent justice for Dawa over the reported prison sentence.

CAPA had raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding the case and called for an examination of the judgment and the constitutional questions it may raise.

The organisation acknowledged that it had yet to obtain a certified true copy of the judgment, making an independent examination of the court’s findings important in determining the precise circumstances of the conviction.

Both interventions have called for a lawful review of the matter, access to justice and the protection of religious freedom, while leaving the determination of the case’s legal merits to the appropriate judicial authorities.

Adesanya-Davies concluded that justice for Dawa should be pursued through transparent legal processes, stressing that constitutional rights and human dignity must be protected for every Nigerian, regardless of religious affiliation.