{
  "id": 17417198,
  "title": "CAN raises concerns over Borno woman’s 14-year jail term",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/can-raises-concerns-over-borno-womans-14-year-jail-term-17417198",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-31T14:52:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/can-raises-concerns-over-borno-womans-14-year-jail-term/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed concern over the 14-year prison sentence given to Christian woman Lami Samuel Dawa in Borno State, highlighting questions about religious freedom and the protection of fundamental rights. CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, made this stance known in a statement on Saturday, confirming an appeal had been filed against the conviction. The organization emphasized its dedication to allowing the judicial process to unfold while asserting that the case raises significant questions about the constitutional rights of Nigerians to practice their religion freely. \"The case raises important questions about the protection of religious freedom and the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,\" CAN stated. They reiterated the right of every individual to choose, change, or practice their religion without coercion, intimidation, or unlawful punishment. CAN called on relevant authorities to ensure the protection of all parties' rights and that justice is served according to the Constitution and the law. They reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful coexistence among Nigerians of diverse religious backgrounds and the safeguarding of fundamental rights and freedoms for every citizen. The association vowed to monitor developments and work with relevant authorities via appropriate legal and institutional means. Earlier, Dawa received a 14-year sentence from a Borno State High Court in a conviction that dated back to May 5, 2026. Ephraim Yidawi, Chairman of the Maiduguri branch of the Christian Lawyers Fellowship of Nigeria, cautioned against framing the case as Dawa's conviction solely for preaching or converting a girl to Christianity. The alleged offenses included conspiracy to abduct a child, enticing a child from parental custody, removing her from her parents' custody, denying her access to education, and interfering with her religious practice and conversion. The court found Dawa guilty of depriving a parent of lawful custody over her child, while the other four defendants were acquitted. An appeal was initiated against the judgment, and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria urged Christians to maintain restraint and await a thorough examination of the court proceedings.",
  "summary": "The Christian Association of Nigeria has raised concerns over the 14-year imprisonment of Lami Samuel Dawa, a Christian woman in Borno State. Read More: https://punchng.com/can-raises-concerns-over-borno-womans-14-year-jail-term/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Post Nigeria",
        "title": "CAN reacts to conviction of Christian woman after conversion from Islam in Borno",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/can-reacts-to-conviction-of-christian-woman-after-conversion-from",
        "published": "2026-10-31T13:14:31.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}