
Zainab Muhamadu, 22, risks death in Zamfara after converting from Islam to Christianity. Charged with apostasy, she faces Sharia Court proceedings amid ongoing tensions over religious freedom in northern Nigeria.
- Zainab converted after connecting with an NYSC pastor, Pastor Samuel, in her community.
- Apostasy under Islamic law can lead to death; the accused has three days to recant.
- Similar cases include 2020 sentences for blasphemy and apostasy, raising human rights concerns.
Zainab’s story highlights the difficult balance between faith, personal choice, and legal systems. Families and communities often face intense pressure, underscoring the emotional toll of religious persecution.
As Nigeria navigates religious freedoms and legal traditions, how can justice and tolerance coexist in a diverse society? What reforms could protect individuals like Zainab?