* How Sahara Reporters, The Guardian, IntelRegion, Daily Post, Instablog9ja ignore Journalism ethics and published false news capable of inciting violence
The Zamfara State Government has debunked a media report published by Sahara Reporters and copied by other unscrupulous outlets, claiming that a Christian convert by name, Zainab Muhammau, was set to stand trial before a Sharia Court on Friday for switching her religion from Islam.
According to the report which was later lifted by multiple media outlets and blog sites including The Guardian, IntelRegion, Daily Post, Instablog9ja, Zainab’s ordeal began after her conversion, which reportedly followed her interaction with a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, identified simply as Pastor Samuel, who was posted to her area.
The concorted lie
According to the report attributed to family source despite knowing that it’s fake, Zainab’s journey of faith started when she met Pastor Samuel, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member posted to her area.
Samuel shared his Christian faith with Zainab, leading to her conversion. However, upon discovering her conversion, authorities arrested Zainab.
This is the original video in which @SaharaReporters shamelessly took a screenshot of this lady, Aaliyah, and falsely claimed her name was Zainab Muhammad from Zamfara State, and also fabricated a fake story that she was going to be charged in a Sharia court for renouncing Islam. pic.twitter.com/dERHmh09BU
— Muslim News Nigeria (@muslimnews_NG) May 21, 2025
Zainab is now set to stand trial this Friday in a Sharia Court, with legal experts and human rights advocates decrying the development as a gross violation of Nigeria’s constitutional right to religious freedom.
Human Rights lawyer speaks on the matter
Rather than confirming the authenticity of the report, the newspapers went further to speak with Adamawa-based human rights lawyer, who said, “This is not just a test of one woman’s faith. It’s a test of Nigeria’s soul — of whether we truly uphold the right to choose one’s faith.”
There are fears that her right to a fair trial may be compromised as urgent calls are presently being made for intervention, with christian communities across the country urged to mobilise in prayer and advocacy.
Lawyers are also reported to be exploring the chance of transferring her case to a secular court. They argued that as a Christian, Zainab should not be subjected to Islamic jurisprudence.
Complete falsehood
A statement by the spokesperson of the State governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, on Tuesday night, revealed that the report published by an online newspaper was a complete falsehood and taken from social media sites that seek to generate online traffic.
The statement added that it has been verified beyond doubt that no such case exists before any Shari’ah Court in Zamfara State.
FAKE NEWS ALERT: No Lady Is On Trial For Converting To Christianity In Zamfara
* How Sahara Reporters, The Guardian, IntelRegion, Daily Post, Instablog9ja ignore Journalism ethics and published false news capable of inciting violence pic.twitter.com/z5wRKwYnN2
— Muslim News Nigeria (@muslimnews_NG) May 21, 2025
“The attention of the Zamfara State Government has been drawn to mischievous fake news circulating about a 22-year-old Miss Zainab Muhamadu, who is facing the death penalty for converting to Christianity.
“We want to categorically state that it is the handiwork of enemies of peace, who are hellbent on creating tension where there is none.
“The fake news, which was spread on social media by an online platform notorious for circulating unverified stories and falsehoods, is nothing more than a failed attempt to disrupt peace.
“The Zamfara State Government has acted swiftly by summoning all relevant authorities and security agencies to verify the authenticity of the story, which ultimately proved to be a blatant falsehood created by Sahara Reporters (published by Omoyele Sowore of Revolution Now).
“To ensure accountability and certainty, the state government has confirmed with the Grand Khadi of the Zamfara Sharia Court of Appeal regarding any similar cases. He stated that there has never been such a case before any Shari’ah Court in Zamfara State.
“The question is, where does this perilous and divisive narrative originate from? What are its underlying motives? What do those promoting this story hope to accomplish after all?
“We are living in intriguing times. Media platforms that should provide the public with verified stories are becoming complicit, merely copying and pasting fake content from social media accounts, earnestly seeking for likes, shares and comments.
“The woman whose picture was used in the fake news is not Nigerian. Her name is Aalia, and she is from Texas, United States.
“The Zamfara State Government believes it is essential to clarify that nothing of this nature is happening in the state. This situation exemplifies yellow journalism that we must all denounce.
“We urge the relevant security agencies to investigate the source of this fake, misguided story, which seeks to create significant religious tension, and prosecute anyone found responsible. We must all do our part to ensure the peace of this country,” the governor’s spokesman stated.
Sahara Reporters and everyone associated with the platform are a complete disgrace to the profession of journalism. You have once again proven that you are not guided by any principles of journalism, ethics or basic human decency. You published a completely fabricated story,… https://t.co/EZMQakNv7a pic.twitter.com/fxYKL3TVT7
— Bashir Ahmad, OON (@BashirAhmaad) May 21, 2025
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