Nigerian Court Protects Christian Convert From Arrest

KANO, NIGERIA — A Federal High Court in northern Nigeria has ruled that Kano State’s Hisbah religious police cannot arrest a young woman because she converted from Islam to Christianity, in a decision that limits the authority of Islamic enforcement units over religious conversion.

The case involved Sarah (names changed for reasons of safety), 22, who left her family home in Kano State in 2025 after alleging abuse and pressure from her siblings to enter a marriage against her wishes. She later stayed with a Christian family, the Abaras, and converted to Christianity. Her siblings subsequently worked with local Hisbah officers to have her arrested. Sarah was detained for four days and said she was beaten and pressured to accept the marriage.

After relocating to Jos, Sarah sought legal protection. On May 26, the court ruled that Kano State and the Hisbah could not pursue her arrest over her conversion or refusal to marry, finding that their actions violated her rights to human dignity and freedom of religion. The court also awarded her financial compensation.

The Abaras, meanwhile, continue to face criminal charges alleging that they kidnapped Sarah. They deny the accusation, and Alliance Defending Freedom is supporting their defense. Sarah said she was grateful that the court recognized her right to choose Christianity and protected her from religious police.

Previously, the UOJ reported that over 40 were baptized at Ugbaikyo Parish in Nigeria.