Zamfara govt denies death penalty claim over religious conversion

The Zamfara State Government has refuted widespread reports that a woman named Zainab Muhamadu is facing trial in a Sharia court and risks the death penalty for converting from Islam to Christianity.

In a statement issued by the spokesperson to Governor Dauda Lawal, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the government described the claims as completely false and malicious, accusing those behind the story of trying to incite unrest and gain online traffic.

“The attention of the Zamfara State Government has been drawn to mischievous fake news about a 22-year-old Miss Zainab Muhamadu allegedly facing a death sentence for converting to Christianity,” the statement read. “This is the handiwork of enemies of peace determined to stir tension where none exists.”

According to the statement, all relevant authorities and security agencies were immediately engaged to verify the report, which was originally published by Sahara Reporters. Upon investigation, it was confirmed to be fabricated.

Zamfara woman faces sharia trial for conversion to christianity

The government also revealed that the photo used in the viral news report is not of a Nigerian citizen. The woman, identified as Aalia, is from Texas, USA.

To further validate its position, the government consulted the Grand Khadi of the Zamfara Sharia Court of Appeal, who confirmed that no such case has ever been filed or heard in any Sharia court in the state.

“The source of this dangerous and divisive story remains unknown, but its motive is clear—to incite religious tension and create instability,” the statement added.

The government criticized the online media for failing in their duty to fact-check stories, accusing some platforms of promoting yellow journalism by spreading unverified and inflammatory content.

Calling for accountability, the state urged security agencies to trace the origin of the false report and bring those responsible to justice.

The Zamfara State Government reaffirmed its commitment to peace and religious harmony, and warned the public against spreading false information capable of disrupting the state’s stability.