Kuni Tyessi in Abuja
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has mentioned no Nigerian must be punished for selecting, altering or practising a faith, faulting the reported conviction of a Christian lady in Borno State.
The lady, recognized in circulating reviews as Lami Samuel Dawa, was reportedly convicted and imprisoned in a case linked to the conversion of an grownup lady to Christianity.
In a press assertion issued yesterday and signed by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the spiritual physique mentioned it was disturbed by the event, including that it was nonetheless verifying the exact details and authorized foundation of the conviction.
CAN disclosed that an attraction had been filed in opposition to the conviction and mentioned it might enable the judicial course of to run its course.
But the affiliation mentioned the case was past one particular person, elevating elementary constitutional points.
“The case raises important questions about the protection of religious freedom and the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” CAN mentioned.
“Every individual has the right to freely choose, change or practise their religion or belief without coercion, intimidation or unlawful punishment,” CAN insisted.
The apex Christian physique known as on related authorities to make sure the rights of all events had been protected and justice was served in line with the Constitution.
It mentioned it might proceed to watch the case and have interaction authorities by applicable authorized channels, whereas remaining dedicated to peaceable coexistence of all spiritual backgrounds in Nigeria.
