The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has raised concerns over the conviction and 14-year prison sentence imposed on a Christian woman, Lami Samuel Dawa, by a Borno State High Court.

CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, disclosed the association’s position in a statement on Saturday, saying the case raised important questions about the protection of religious freedom and fundamental human rights.

He said an appeal had been filed against the conviction, adding that the association would allow the judicial process to run its course while monitoring developments.

CAN maintained that every individual had the constitutional right to choose, change or practise a religion without coercion, intimidation or unlawful punishment.

The association called on relevant authorities to protect the rights of all parties involved and ensure that justice was served in accordance with the Constitution and applicable laws.

However, the case has attracted differing interpretations of the circumstances surrounding the conviction.

The Chairman of the Maiduguri branch of the Christian Lawyers Fellowship of Nigeria (CLASFON), Ephraim Yidawi, cautioned against portraying the case as one in which Dawa was convicted simply for preaching to a girl or converting her to Christianity.

Yidawi, whose organisation represented Dawa and four other defendants during the trial, said the allegations included conspiracy to abduct a child, enticing a child to leave parental custody, removing the child from her parents’ lawful custody, depriving her of access to education and interfering with her religious practice.

He explained that Dawa was convicted on the charge of depriving a parent of the lawful custody of his child, while the other four defendants were discharged and acquitted.

The judgment, delivered on May 5, 2026, sentenced Dawa to 14 years’ imprisonment under Section 210 of the Borno State Penal Code.

The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria had also urged Christians to exercise restraint and avoid drawing conclusions without examining the court proceedings.

CAN reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence among Nigerians of different religious backgrounds, stressing the importance of protecting the fundamental rights and freedoms of every citizen.