Nigerian police arrested a 22-year-old woman for converting to Christianity from Islam. Though the Federal High Court ruled in her favor, the Christian family that helped her is facing false charges of kidnapping.

In 2025, “Sarah” fled from her home in Kano state after her elder siblings tried forcing her into an arranged marriage. While she was on the run, a Christian family took her in and shared the gospel with her. Through the Abaras family’s witness, she gave her life to Christ. 

When her siblings learned of her conversion, they began working with the local Hisbah, the Islamic police force, to track her down and arrest her. 

Police discovered her and detained her for four days, during which they beat her and pressured her to return home and accept the marriage. When she was released, the Abaras helped her escape to a neighboring state with less Muslim influence. 

Sarah filed a rights enforcement petition with the help of Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) International. On May 26, the court deemed her arrest unlawful, stating that the Hisbah’s actions were a “flagrant violation” of her right to human dignity and freedom of religion. She was also awarded financial compensation for the violation. 

“It is not against the law for me to choose my faith in Jesus,” Sarah said. “I am thankful the court has recognized my freedom to become a Christian and that I am now protected from the religious police.”  

Fighting False Charges

Though Sarah is experiencing newfound freedom, the Abaras are still fighting a case her family filed against them. They were criminally charged with kidnapping without having legal counsel present. Although they are out on bail, their case is still open. ADF is coming to their defense. 

“The court’s ruling in Sarah’s case affirms that the Hisbah police have no jurisdiction over Christians or other non-Muslims,” said Sean Nelson, senior counsel for global religious freedom at ADF. “It is outrageous that the Christian family, the Abaras, that has protected her and helped her reach safety is now facing false criminal charges by these same forces.” 

Kano is located in the Muslim-majority region of northern Nigeria, where Hisbah use their influence to enforce Sharia law. 

“We have seen a growing move to assert Islamic law over the rights of Christians and other religions in Nigeria,” Nelson said. “We hope Sarah’s case will serve in countering the expansion of Hisbah jurisdiction, will help to free the Abaras who should have all charges dropped against them immediately, and will lead to the affirmation of religious freedom for all in Nigeria, regardless of their chosen faith.” 

*Name changed for security 

Story by Bella Agnello 

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