The Zamfara State Government has refuted circulating reports alleging that a young woman named Zainab is facing trial in a Sharia Court for converting to Christianity.
In a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the government dismissed the claim as entirely fictitious, describing it as a fabrication originating from traffic-hungry social media platforms.
The statement emphasized that thorough investigations have confirmed that no such case exists within any Sharia Court in the 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 statement stated.
The government attributed the false report to a platform known for peddling unverified stories, asserting that it was part of a broader agenda to disrupt harmony in the state.
It noted, “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.”
According to the statement, the Zamfara State Government promptly engaged relevant authorities and security operatives to verify the claim.
Their findings concluded that the story, allegedly published by Sahara Reporters, was entirely baseless.
“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.”
Further confirmation was sought from the Grand Khadi of the Zamfara Sharia Court of Appeal, who affirmed that no such case had ever been filed before any Sharia court in the state.
“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 government questioned the intent behind spreading such disinformation and warned of the dangers posed by divisive narratives.
“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?”
The statement also took aim at irresponsible journalism, lamenting how certain platforms have become conduits for unchecked social media content.
“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 statement stressed.
Highlighting a key flaw in the report, the government clarified that the woman pictured was not even Nigerian, noting, “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 concluded with a firm stance against such fabricated reports and called on security agencies to trace the source of the disinformation and ensure justice is served.
“The Zamfara State Government believes it is essential to clarify that nothing of this nature is happening in the state. This 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,” he said.