The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), representing the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has declined to directly condemn the viral spread of fake news by some media outlets regarding the alleged arraignment of Miss Zainab Muhamadu before a Shari’ah court in Zamfara State.
However, the association has praised the Zamfara State Government for promptly debunking the reports and preventing public unrest.
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
In a statement signed by Rev. Dr. Joseph John Hayab, Chairman of CAN in the North, and Bishop Mohammed Naga, Secretary-General, the body acknowledged the government’s swift clarification that no such case is before any court in the state, and that no crime had been committed in relation to Zainab’s constitutional right to freedom of religion.
CAN’s statement, however, notably stopped short of calling out the media platforms responsible for spreading the false report, choosing instead to emphasize the importance of vigilance, transparency, and synergy in handling sensitive religious matters.
“The contributions of the Grand Khadi, the Director-General of Hisbah, and various security agencies were crucial in dousing tension,” CAN noted. “Their swift and coordinated response helped clarify a situation that could have easily spiraled into a national crisis.”
The association encouraged continued collaboration between state governments and religious organizations to prevent misinformation, calling for proactive engagement before rumors gain ground.
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
CAN also expressed appreciation to the Department of State Services (DSS), traditional rulers, and faith leaders in Zamfara for their maturity and cooperation in managing the situation. It urged security agencies nationwide to remain alert and investigate all reports of religious rights violations with the seriousness they deserve.
“To Christians in the North and across the nation, we assure you that CAN remains committed to uncovering the truth and standing firm against religious persecution,” the statement added. “We call on everyone to remain calm, law-abiding, and prayerful.”
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