The Zamfara State Government has debunked news circulating on social media that a young woman simply identified as Zainab was facing trial in a Sharia court for converting to Christianity.
In a statement issued by the spokesperson for the Governor of Zamfara State, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the government described the report as false and fabricated by platforms seeking to generate online traffic.
“The attention of the Zamfara State Government has been drawn to the mischievous and fake news about a 22-year-old Miss Zainab Muhamadu allegedly facing a death penalty for converting to Christianity.
“We categorically state that this is the handiwork of mischief-makers and enemies of peace who are determined to incite unrest where none exists,” the statement reads in part.
According to the government, thorough investigations have been conducted involving all relevant authorities and security agencies, and it was confirmed that no such case exists in any Sharia court in the state.
“To ensure clarity and accountability, the state government contacted the Grand Khadi of the Zamfara State Sharia Court of Appeal, who confirmed that no such case has ever been filed or heard in any Sharia court in Zamfara,” the statement added.
The government also debunked the use of a photograph circulating alongside the false report, stating that the image was not of a Nigerian but of a woman named “Aalia” from Texas in the United States of America.
“The origin of this dangerous and divisive narrative remains unclear, but its intent is obvious—to stir religious tension and disrupt the peace in Zamfara and Nigeria at large,” the statement added.
The government expressed worry over the spread of misinformation by some online media platforms. It criticised the growing trend of republishing unverified content from social media without due diligence.
“This is a clear example of yellow journalism that should be condemned by all well-meaning citizens,” the statement added.
The Zamfara State Government called on security agencies to investigate the source of the false report and prosecute those behind it to serve as a deterrent to others.
“We must all work together to preserve peace and unity in our country,” the statement concluded.