Following a report claiming that a Christian convert in Zamfara, identified as Zainab Muhamadu, is set to stand trial in Sharia Court on Friday for switching religion, the state government has debunked the story.
An online media platform had claimed in its report that the 22-year-old lady is facing death penalty for converting to Christianity in the state.
However, in a statement by the spokesperson of the Zamfara State Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the government disclosed that the viral story, which it described as completely false, was taken from social media sites that seek to generate traffic.
According to the statement, the Zamfara State Government has verified the story beyond a reasonable doubt and can establish that no such case exists before any Shari’ah Court in Zamfara State.
“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 a 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.
“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’a court in Zamfara State,” the statement party reads.
Continuing, the state government expressed concerns on the motives behind such a narrative, adding that the woman whose picture was used in the fake news was not a Nigerian but one Aalia from Texas, United States.
“The question is, where does this perilous and divisive narrative originate? What are its underlying motives? What do those promoting this story hope to accomplish in the long run?
“We are living in intriguing times. Media platforms that should provide the public with verified stories are becoming complacent, merely copying and pasting content from social media accounts eager for likes 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 statement added.
The Zamfara State Government further stressed that nothing of such nature is happening in the state, noting that the 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.”
Nigerian Tribune
