Rita Odafe
The administration of Zamfara State has issued a response concerning a viral news story about a woman named Miss Zainab Muhamadu, who is allegedly set to appear in a Sharia Court this Friday.
Reports claim she may be facing the death penalty due to her conversion from Islam to Christianity.
In a statement from the spokesperson for the Zamfara State Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the government has refuted these allegations.
The government asserted that the assertion regarding the 22-year-old facing trial for her religious change is entirely untrue.
It further stated that those spreading such narratives are merely trying to gain online traffic and are disruptors aiming to instigate unnecessary conflict.
The Governor’s representative mentioned that all necessary authorities and security bodies were called to confirm the validity of the claims published by Sahara Reporters, which were found to be false.
The statement clarified that the individual depicted in the misleading news is not a Nigerian but rather an Aalia from Texas, USA.
It consequently warned against disseminating false information that could disturb the tranquility of the community.
“The Zamfara State Government has taken notice of malicious fake news regarding a 22-year-old Miss Zainab Muhamadu, purportedly facing a death sentence for converting to Christianity.
“We want to firmly declare that this is the work of individuals intent on fostering unrest where none exists.
“The fabricated report, propagated on social media by an online entity known for sharing unreliable information, is simply a failed effort to incite disorder.
“The Zamfara State Government has promptly involved all relevant authorities and security organizations to verify the reported claims, which have ultimately been deemed a clear falsehood attributed to Sahara Reporters.
“To ensure transparency and accuracy, the state government has confirmed with the Grand Khadi of the Zamfara Sharia Court of Appeal, who stated that no such case has ever been presented before any Sharia court in Zamfara State.
“This raises questions about the origin of this dangerous and divisive narrative. What motivates those who promote it? What are their intentions in the long run?
“We find ourselves in perplexing times, as media platforms that ought to provide the public with credible news often settle for merely resharing social media content that craves attention.
“The individual associated with the deceptive news is not from Nigeria. Her name is Aalia, hailing from Texas, United States.
“The Zamfara State Government feels it is vital to emphasize that such occurrences are not taking place within the state. This incident exemplifies sensationalist journalism that we must collectively reject.
“We encourage relevant security agencies to trace the source of this misguided and fabricated narrative, which aims to incite significant religious strife, and to take legal action against those responsible. We must all contribute to maintaining the peace of our nation,” concludes the statement from the Zamfara State government.
