Bishop Prof. Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies Lauds CAPA on Call for Justice for Liyatu Samuel Dawa Over Reported 14-Year Prison Sentence in Borno State, Nigeria

Office of Bishop Prof. Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, NSCEA
Abuja, FCT
19 October 2026

I, Bishop Prof. Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, have read with keen interest and profound commendation the official press statement issued on 19 October 2026 by the Council of American Peace Advocates (CAPA), Global Headquarters, United States of America, under the leadership of Professor Wanda Page, Director. The statement, titled CAPA Calls for Urgent Justice for Liyatu Samuel Dawa Over Reported 14-Year Prison Sentence in Borno State, Nigeria, raises important concerns about constitutional liberty, religious freedom and human dignity.

I commend CAPA for drawing attention to a case that deserves careful legal examination, transparency and respect for fundamental human rights.

According to reports, Liyatu Samuel Dawa, a Christian woman, was sentenced to 14 years’ imprisonment in Borno State in a case reportedly connected to the sharing of her Christian faith with another adult woman. Reports indicate that the other woman testified that her decision to embrace Christianity was voluntary. However, the precise circumstances of the case, the court’s findings and the legal basis for the sentence should be verified through the judgment and other relevant court records.

If the reported circumstances are confirmed, the case raises serious questions about the relationship between religious freedom, criminal law and constitutional protections in Nigeria.

1. Religious Freedom Is a Constitutional Right, Not a Privilege

As CAPA has emphasised, religious freedom is a fundamental right that belongs to every Nigerian, regardless of religious affiliation.

The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, provides important protections in this regard.

Section 38(1) guarantees freedom of thought, conscience and religion, including the freedom to change one’s religion or belief and to manifest and propagate religious beliefs through worship, teaching, practice and observance, subject to the Constitution and applicable law.

Section 39(1) protects freedom of expression.

Section 42(1) prohibits discrimination on specified grounds, including religion.

Sections 36(1) and 36(12) provide protections relating to fair hearing and the principle that criminal offences and their penalties must be prescribed by written law.

Section 1(3) establishes the supremacy of the Constitution over any other law that is inconsistent with its provisions.

These constitutional protections are intended to safeguard the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, including Muslims, Christians and adherents of other beliefs.

Religious freedom is not exclusive to any one faith. It is a fundamental right that must be respected and protected for everyone.

2. Questions Over the Application of Section 210

According to reports, Liyatu Samuel Dawa was prosecuted under Section 210 of the Borno State Penal Code, reportedly relating to interference with lawful parental custody.

The precise application of this provision in the case requires careful examination of the charge, evidence, applicable law and the court’s reasoning.

Without access to the certified true copy of the judgment, it would be premature to reach a definitive conclusion about the legality of the conviction or the appropriateness of the sentence.

Nevertheless, legitimate questions deserve answers. What specific conduct did the court find established? How did the evidence relate to the elements of the offence? Was the sentence consistent with the applicable law and constitutional protections?

These questions should be addressed through a transparent and independent legal review.

Justice must be pursued without prejudice, religious hostility or assumptions about the guilt or innocence of any person.

3. My Alignment With CAPA’s Appeal

I, Bishop Prof. Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, support CAPA’s call for the relevant authorities to ensure that the case receives appropriate legal scrutiny and that the rights of all persons involved are protected.

I respectfully call on His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR; the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice; the Governor of Borno State; the Chief Judge of Borno State; the National Human Rights Commission; and other relevant authorities to consider appropriate action within their respective constitutional and legal powers.

Such action should include:

i. Ensuring an independent and lawful examination of the judgment, charges, evidence and any constitutional issues arising from the case.

ii. Ensuring that Liyatu Samuel Dawa has access to legal representation and the opportunity to pursue available appellate remedies, including consideration of bail pending appeal where legally appropriate.

iii. Reviewing the application of Section 210 of the Borno State Penal Code in the circumstances of the case, in accordance with the applicable law.

iv. Protecting the rights of all persons involved against religious discrimination, intimidation and unlawful treatment.

v. Ensuring that any appropriate judicial relief, including the setting aside of a conviction, is pursued through the courts if a legal or constitutional defect is established.

vi. Protecting the woman who reportedly chose to embrace Christianity voluntarily, as well as all other persons involved, from intimidation, harassment or retaliation.

While respecting the independence of the Nigerian judiciary, it is equally important to ensure that judicial decisions remain subject to lawful appellate review and constitutional safeguards.

A society committed to religious freedom must ensure that peaceful religious expression is protected while also respecting due process and the proper administration of justice.

4. Final Word

I commend CAPA for drawing public attention to the importance of peace, justice, human dignity and religious freedom.

I urge all stakeholders to approach this matter without prejudice, sectarian hostility or political interference. The facts should be established, the applicable law carefully examined and the rights of everyone involved protected.

The Muslim, the Christian and every other Nigerian deserve equal protection under the law.

Justice for Liyatu Samuel Dawa must be pursued through due process, fairness and respect for constitutional rights.

I therefore call for an urgent and transparent legal review of the case, appropriate access to legal remedies and the protection of Liyatu Samuel Dawa’s constitutional rights, while respecting the independence of the judiciary.

Religious freedom must be protected. Constitutional supremacy must prevail. Justice must be pursued fairly and impartially.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Signed:

Bishop Prof. Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies
Bishop, Educationist and Peace Advocate