The Zamfara State Government has categorically refuted widely circulated reports claiming that a 22-year-old woman, identified as Miss Zainab Muhamadu, is facing trial in a Sharia Court for allegedly converting from Islam to Christianity.
According to the state government, no such case exists and the narrative is nothing more than a fabrication aimed at inciting religious tension and misleading the public.
In an official statement released on Tuesday by the spokesperson for the Governor of Zamfara State, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the government described the reports initially published by Sahara Reporters and amplified on social media as “mischievous fake news” intended to disturb public peace and exploit sensitive religious sentiments.
No Record of Such Case in Zamfara, Authorities Confirm
The statement emphasized that a thorough investigation was conducted involving all relevant security agencies and judicial authorities, including the office of the Grand Khadi of the Zamfara Sharia Court of Appeal. The findings, according to the government, confirmed that no individual named Zainab Muhamadu is on trial or facing any form of legal action over religious conversion in the state.
“The Grand Khadi has confirmed unequivocally that no such case has ever come before any Sharia court in Zamfara State,” the statement noted.
Misused Image from the United States
The government also revealed that the image of the supposed accused woman used in the viral publication is not of a Nigerian citizen. Instead, it belongs to a woman named Aalia, who resides in Texas, United States—further discrediting the report and raising concerns about malicious intent.
“It is deeply concerning that a fabricated story of this nature, using a completely unrelated individual’s image, could gain traction simply to provoke unrest,” Idris stated.
Government Condemns ‘Yellow Journalism’ and Calls for Accountability
While reaffirming its commitment to religious harmony and rule of law, the Zamfara State Government warned media organizations and social media users against spreading unverified content. It called on security agencies to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators behind the false narrative.
“This is yellow journalism at its worst. Such content not only misleads the public but also poses a grave risk to peace and unity in the country. We urge authorities to trace the source of this dangerous fabrication and ensure accountability,” the statement concluded.
The state government reiterated that Zamfara remains committed to peaceful coexistence among its diverse religious communities and that no judicial proceedings based on forced religious allegiance or conversions are occurring within its jurisdiction.
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