A court in Nigeria upheld citizens' right to convert from Islam to Christianity

The Supreme Court of Nigeria issued a historic ruling prohibiting the Islamic religious police, “Hisba,” from persecuting citizens who have converted to another religion. The legal precedent was set following the case of a 22-year-old woman who faced violence and forced marriage by her family because of her conversion from Islam to Christianity. The incident underscored the critical importance of protecting religious freedom in the country, according to ADF International.

After converting to Christianity, the victim was unlawfully detained by the “Hisba” police, where, according to her, she was subjected to physical abuse and forced into marriage. After spending four days in custody, she secured a court hearing. The court ruled that the police’s actions constituted a gross violation of human rights and personal dignity. As a result, the authorities and Hisba units were officially prohibited from persecuting the woman for her religious choice.

Experts at ADF International emphasize that this ruling sends an important signal to the country’s legal system. The court confirmed that the religious police have no jurisdiction over Christians and others who do not practice Islam, thereby reinforcing every citizen’s constitutional right to freedom of conscience.