Nigerian Court rules police can't arrest woman for converting to Chritianity

An illustrative image of a Christian woman and officers of the Islamic religious police Hisbah in Nigeria. Photo: UOJ

On August 11, 2026, it became known that a court in Nigeria banned the Islamic religious police Hisba from prosecuting a woman for converting from Islam to Christianitym reports the ADF International.

A 22-year-old woman fled her home after suffering abuse from her relatives, who were attempting to force her into marriage. She later found refuge among Christians and converted to Christianity.

After changing her faith, the woman was detained by the Hisbah police. She spent four days in custody and stated that she was beaten and pressured to accept the marriage she had fled.

The court ruled that such actions violated the right to freedom of religion and human dignity. The Kano State and the Hisbah were banned from prosecuting the woman for converting to Christianity or refusing marriage, and were also ordered to pay her compensation.

ADF International emphasized that the ruling confirms that the Islamic police have no jurisdiction over Christians and other non-Muslims.

Previously, the UOJ reported that a joint wedding was organized in Nigeria for 300 Christian and Muslim couples.

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