Zamfara Woman, 22, Faces Death Sentence for Leaving Islam
A 22-year-old woman, Zainab Muhamadu, is facing a possible death sentence in Zamfara State after being charged with apostasy for converting from Islam to Christianity.
Zainab reportedly embraced Christianity after interacting with an NYSC member identified as Pastor Samuel, who was serving in her community. Her conversion led to her detention by local authorities.’
She is set to appear before a Sharia Court on Friday. Under Islamic law in the state, apostasy renouncing Islam is a capital offense.
Family sources said Zainab formed a strong bond with the pastor, which influenced her decision to convert. Islamic law typically gives accused apostates three days to recant or face severe punishment, including death.
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In April, Dr. Ibrahim Jalingo, Chairman of the Council of Ulama in Zamfara, defended the death penalty for apostasy, citing Islamic teachings.
Zainab’s case echoes similar incidents, including the 2020 sentencing of gospel singer Yahaya Sharif-Aminu to death for blasphemy and 16-year-old Umar Farouk’s 10-year prison sentence for allegedly insulting the Prophet Muhammad.
