Nigerian Christian Mother Sentenced to 14 Years for Sharing Faith

A Christian woman, Liyatu Samuel Dawa, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison in Borno State, Nigeria, after sharing her faith with a Muslim woman who subsequently converted to Christianity. According to International Christian Concern, the court issued the sentence under Section 210 of the state’s Penal Code, despite the convert testifying that her change of religion was voluntary. Human rights advocates have criticized the ruling, noting that the Nigerian constitution guarantees the freedom to practice and share religious beliefs.

The case occurs against a backdrop of escalating violence against Christians in northern and central Nigeria. Reports from the 2026 Open Doors World Watch List indicate that 3,490 Christians were killed for their faith in the country during the most recent reporting period, an increase from 3,100 the previous year. Despite these security challenges, which include threats from extremist groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP, Nigeria maintains one of the world’s largest Christian populations, estimated at approximately 107 million people.