US Government Brings Plight of Persecuted Christians in Nigeria to the United Nations 

  • U.S. officials, including Ambassador Mike Waltz, singer Nicki Minaj, and religious freedom advocates elevate urgent concerns over rising anti-Christian violence in Nigeria.
  • ADF International representative joined panel of religious freedom experts, calling for continued U.S. and global action to protect Christians in Nigeria. 

NEW YORK CITY (18 November 2025) – At an event hosted today by the United States Mission to the United Nations (USUN), religious freedom advocates and experts convened to highlight the escalating threats facing Christians in Nigeria. The event emphasized the need for sustained U.S. leadership and international action to address the crisis. Featured speakers included U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz; singer Nicki Minaj, who has recently spoken out in support of persecuted Christians in Nigeria; and Sean Nelson, Senior Counsel for Global Religious Freedom at ADF International, joining a panel hosted by Fox News anchor Harris Faulkner. The panel also included remarks by Rev. Gabriel Makan, a pastor from Northern Nigeria, and Sarah Makin, former Senior Advisor to the President of the United State on International Religious Freedom. 

The speakers called for greater recognition of the targeted and widespread persecution facing Christians in Nigeria, renewed diplomatic engagement and greater actions from Nigeria to support persecuted Christians, and stronger international measures to protect vulnerable communities and uphold the fundamental right to freedom of religion or belief. 

“This event demonstrates clearly that the United States under President Trump’s leadership will not turn a blind eye towards the persecution of Christians in Nigeria and worldwide, but instead will press ever harder to ensure that the entire world knows about, and takes action on, the grave persecution of Christians,” Sean Nelson.

“We are grateful that the Trump administration continues to elevate the persecution of Christians, call for the Nigerian government to stop the denials and see the CPC designation as an opportunity for greater support to end the persecution and insecurity, and appreciate well-known public figures like Nicki Minaj using their platforms to bring much-needed awareness to this dire crisis.” 

“This event demonstrates clearly that the United States under President Trump’s leadership will not turn a blind eye towards the persecution of Christians in Nigeria and worldwide, but instead will press ever harder to ensure that the entire world knows about, and takes action on, the grave persecution of Christians."

- Sean Nelson, Senior Counsel for Global Religious Freedom at ADF International

Continued Action from U.S.

Religious freedom experts have long advocated for the U.S. government to address the worsening situation in Nigeria. On 31 October 2025, the Trump Administration redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern (CPC), marking a major step forward for protecting persecuted Christians in the country.  

“Protecting Christians is not about politics – it is a moral duty,” Ambassador Waltz said in his opening remarks. “We need voices that pierce the silence we have heard from the international community, that humanize the statistics we keep hearing, and demand accountability.”

Advocates are now calling for continued action from the U.S. following the CPC designation. In a coalition letter thanking President Trump for his actions on Nigeria, signatories highlight the key steps necessary for Nigeria to undertake to protect persecuted communities, including: 1) increased security and reliable early warning systems for Christian communities, particularly in the Middle Belt where Fulani militant attacks are the worst; 2) swift prosecution for attackers; 3) facilitating the safe return of internally-displaced persons; and 4) repealing the country’s draconian Sharia blasphemy laws. By pressing for these measures, advocates aim to guarantee that the CPC designation leads to tangible improvements for Nigeria’s persecuted Christians and lasting protections for religious freedom. 

In addition to experts and officials, public figures have continued to speak out against the anti-Christian violence taking place in Nigeria. Among these are Bill Maher, who drew attention to the issue in late September, sparking widespread online discussion.  

Singer Nicki Minaj has been vocal online about the crisis, leading to her appearance on today’s panel.

Following the Trump administration’s CPC designation, Minaj tweeted, “Reading this made me feel a deep sense of gratitude. We live in a country where we can freely worship God. No group should ever be persecuted for practicing their religion. We don’t have to share the same beliefs in order for us to respect each other. Numerous countries all around the world are being affected by this horror & it’s dangerous to pretend we don’t notice. Thank you to The President and his team for taking this seriously. God bless every persecuted Christian. Let’s remember to lift them up in prayer.”

Christian Persecution in Nigeria

Nigeria remains one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a Christian. In 2025 alone, more than 7,000 Christians have been killed for their faith, with an average of 35 murdered every single day. Since Boko Haram launched its insurgency in 2009, estimates indicate that between 50,000 and 100,000 Christians have lost their lives due to religiously motivated violence.  

The destruction of churches has become a defining feature of the crisis, with over 19,000 churches attacked or destroyed in recent years. In the central regions of Benue and Plateau States the situation has worsened dramatically, with more than 9,500 people, mostly Christians, killed between May 2023 and May 2025, and around 500,000 individuals newly displaced from their homes due to targeted attacks.  

Advocacy for Nigeria’s Persecuted Christians

ADF International advocates for Christians and other religious minorities who face severe persecution across Nigeria. The organization has supported multiple individuals targeted under blasphemy laws or attacked for their faith. 

ADF International supported the legal defense of Rhoda Jatau, a Christian mother imprisoned for 19 months after allegedly sharing a video condemning the brutal lynching of Christian college student Deborah Emmanuel Yakubu. Jatau was fully acquitted in December 2024, marking an important victory for justice and free expression. 

ADF International also backed the successful appeal of *David (name changed for security reasons)*, a Christian man who was wrongfully convicted and suffered torture after helping a convert escape violent threats. A Nigerian High Court ultimately overturned his conviction, acknowledging the injustices he endured. 

Today, ADF International continues its support for Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, a Sufi musician imprisoned for over five years after a WhatsApp message deemed blasphemous. Previously sentenced to death, Sharif-Aminu is now awaiting his next hearing before the Supreme Court of Nigeria, and his case may be heard and decided in the coming months. Sharif-Aminu’s case has the potential to abolish Nigeria’s blasphemy laws, which embolden mob violence and fuel the climate of hostility facing Christians and other vulnerable groups. 

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Religious Freedom Coalition Thanks President Trump for Designating Nigeria “Country of Particular Concern;” Proposes Next Steps to Protect Persecuted Christians”

  • In letter thanking President Trump, coalition of international religious freedom experts and faith leaders outlines key recommendations to respond to crisis facing persecuted Christians in Nigeria.

  • ADF International joins the call, urging continued U.S. leadership and global action to defend religious freedom in Nigeria and beyond.

WASHINGTON D.C. (November 13) — A coalition of 48 faith leaders and religious freedom experts has sent a letter to U.S. President Donald Trump, thanking him for his decisive action in designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), stating, “You saw the evidence, you listened to the cries of the persecuted, and you acted.”  

The letter urges continued United States’ leadership on international religious freedom. In it, signatories emphasize that swift action from the U.S. is indispensable as Christians in Nigeria continue to face relentless violence from terrorist groups. The letter reflects a unified commitment to four recommended key policy goals that Nigeria, following increased pressure from the U.S., should commit to if it is to be removed from the CPC designation: 1) increased security and reliable early warning systems for Christian communities, particularly in the Middle Belt where Fulani militant attacks are the worst; 2) swift prosecution for attackers; 3) facilitating the safe return of internally-displaced persons; and 4) repealing the country’s draconian Sharia blasphemy laws. 

“The administration’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern is a momentous step forward for international religious freedom,” said Sean Nelson, Senior Counsel for ADF International. “Christians and other vulnerable communities in Nigeria have endured unthinkable violence for far too long. While there is still much work ahead, this decisive action renews hope that real protection and accountability are on the horizon. The President’s commitment to Nigeria can serve as a model to protect persecuted Christians worldwide, as Christians are the most persecuted religious group globally.”

“The administration’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern is a momentous step forward for international religious freedom. While there is still much work ahead, this decisive action renews hope that real protection and accountability are on the horizon. The President’s commitment to Nigeria can serve as a model to protect persecuted Christians worldwide, as Christians are the most persecuted religious group globally."

- Sean Nelson, Senior Counsel for Global Religious Freedom at ADF International

Signatories to the letter include top leaders in the movement to end global Christian persecution, including Alliance Defending Freedom President & CEO Kristen Waggoner, Matt and Mercedes Schlapp of the CPAC Foundation, former Congressman Frank Wolf, former Senior Advisor to the President on International Religious Freedom Sarah Makin, President of Family Research Council and former Chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom Tony Perkins, President & CEO of Concerned Women for America Penny Nance, President & CEO of CatholicVote Kelsey Reinhardt, Director of the Hudson Institute’s Center for Religious Freedom Nina Shea, and many others. The letter was developed through the CPAC Christian Persecution Coalition. In addition to highlighting the crisis in Nigeria, the letter urges President Trump to “continue to make the defense of religious freedom internationally a core U.S. foreign policy priority” and to “continue and even elevate” the defense of persecuted Christians worldwide. 

“We commend your recognition of the major threat and devastation facing Christians in Nigeria from radical Islamists and a government that has taken little action to protect them, as well as your clear-eyed statements placing all available Presidential actions on the table to ensure that action is taken soon,” the letter reads.

Christian Persecution in Nigeria

Nigeria remains one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a Christian. In 2025 alone, more than 7,000 Christians have been killed for their faith, with an average of 35 murdered every single day. Since Boko Haram launched its insurgency in 2009, estimates indicate that between 50,000 and 100,000 Christians have lost their lives due to religiously motivated violence. 

The destruction of churches has become a defining feature of the crisis, with over 19,000 churches attacked or destroyed in recent years. In the central regions of Benue and Plateau States the situation has worsened dramatically, with more than 9,500 people, mostly Christians, killed between May 2023 and May 2025, and around 500,000 individuals newly displaced from their homes due to targeted attacks. 

“The numbers we have seen in Nigeria are alarming. With the renewed CPC designation for Nigeria, we are hopeful that this will bring about real change. The letter to the president, which ADF International gladly has joined, acknowledges the horrors that Christians have faced for years and paints a picture of what a path toward protecting them and religious freedom for all can look like,” said Kelsey Zorzi, Director of Advocacy for ADF International.  

Advocacy for Nigeria’s Persecuted Christians

ADF International continues to advocate for Christians and other religious minorities who face severe persecution across Nigeria. The organization has supported multiple individuals targeted under blasphemy laws or attacked for their faith. 

One such case is that of Rhoda Jatau, a Christian mother imprisoned for 19 months after allegedly sharing a video condemning the brutal lynching of Christian college student Deborah Emmanuel Yakubu. With legal support from ADF International, Jatau was fully acquitted in December 2024, marking an important victory for justice and free expression. 

ADF International also backed the successful appeal of *David (name changed for security reasons)*, a Christian man who was wrongfully convicted and suffered torture after helping a convert escape violent threats. A Nigerian High Court ultimately overturned his conviction, acknowledging the injustices he endured. 

Today, ADF International continues its support for Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, a Sufi musician imprisoned for over five years after a WhatsApp message deemed blasphemous. Once sentenced to death, Sharif-Aminu is now awaiting his next hearing before the Supreme Court of Nigeria, and his case may be heard and decided in the coming months. Sharif-Aminu’s case has the potential to abolish Nigeria’s harsh blasphemy laws, which embolden mob violence and fuel the climate of hostility facing Christians and other vulnerable groups.

Global Advocacy for Persecuted Christians

The coalition letter underscores that the crisis in Nigeria reflects a broader global trend of growing hostility toward Christians. ADF International supports numerous cases across the world, advocating for the right to freely live out one’s faith. 

The letter states, “We see atrocities and grave violations being committed worldwide, from Nicaragua to the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan, from Algeria to Syria to China, and in so many other places.” In Nicaragua, ADF International has represented  Christian pastors punished for their faith. In Sudan, the organization has advocated for Christians targeted for conversion to the faith. The letter also highlights Algeria, where nearly every Protestant church has been closed by the government. Amid this crackdown, Pastor Youssef Ourahmane faces prosecution before the country’s Supreme Court for leading Christian worship, with a potential prison sentence.  

The letter also warns that even in democratic societies, Christians increasingly face pressure and punishment for expressing their beliefs. Cases like Päivi Räsänen in Finland and Adam Smith-Connor in the United Kingdom show how legal and social pressures are mounting against Christians, even in places where religious freedom is traditionally protected. 

“The U.S. should stand as a beacon for the fundamental right to religious freedom and a voice for persecuted Christians globally, because if we do not stand, no one else will,” the letter concludes. “We ask that you continue to make the defense of religious freedom internationally a core U.S. foreign policy priority, and that you continue and even elevate your defense of persecuted Christians worldwide.” 

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U.S. Congress Introduces Resolution Condemning Persecution of Christians in Nigeria

  • Resolution urges U.S. and international action to protect Nigerian Christians amid widespread religious persecution
  • ADF International endorses the resolution and applauds the call to further protect religious freedom in Nigeria following the Trump administration’s move to designate it as a “Country of Particular Concern”

WASHINGTON, D.C. (4 November 2025) – Today, U.S. Congressman Riley Moore (R-WV) introduced a resolution condemning the ongoing persecution of Christians in Nigeria and calling for urgent action following the United States government’s recent designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC). President Donald Trump recently asked Congressman Moore and the House Appropriations Committee to lead Congressional investigations and recommendations to combat the persecution of Christians in Nigeria. The designation recognizes the severe and systematic violations of religious freedom facing Nigerian Christians and opens the door for strong diplomatic and other measures to hold perpetrators accountable.

“Jihadists are carrying out a systematic campaign of widespread religiously-motivated attacks against Nigerian Christians. The evidence is overwhelming: targeted killings, massacres during holy days, and a death toll that exceeds the rest of the world combined,” said Sean Nelson, Senior Counsel for Global Religious Freedom at ADF International.

“We commend Congressman Moore for this decisive leadership in response to the President’s clarion call to defend persecuted Christians in Nigeria and globally. The United States must use every diplomatic and economic tool available to ensure that Christians in Nigeria can live and worship without fear of violence or death."

- Sean Nelson, Senior Counsel for Global Religious Freedom at ADF International

The resolution identifies “Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province, and Fulani militant groups” as the main jihadist groups targeting Christians in Nigeria, while also describing “the Nigerian Government’s failure to act in defense of Christians.” The resolution calls on the U.S. to pressure the Nigerian government to end impunity for attacks, proactively protect Christian communities and clergy from attacks, return internally-displaced persons to their homelands, and repeal the country’s draconian blasphemy laws and release prisoners detained for their faith. The resolution also calls for the delivery of humanity aid directly to victims in coordination with international nongovernmental and faith-based organizations 

Moore has previously introduced legislative measures addressing violations of religious freedom, underscoring the global crisis of Christian persecution. Today’s resolution continues that effort and reinforces bipartisan congressional concern regarding Nigeria’s record numbers of Christian deaths and violations against religious freedom.  

“This resolution condemns the horrific persecution of Christians in Nigeria. For far too long, the world has turned a blind eye to the suffering of innocent Christians—entire villages destroyed, churches burned, pastors tortured, families torn apart. This grave suffering must end now,” said Representative Riley Moore. 

“I’m calling on all my colleagues – both Republican and Democrat alike – to unite in defense of faith and freedom. The United States must make it clear that we will not tolerate the slaughter of Christians or the persecution of anyone for their belief in Jesus Christ. I want to thank President Trump for his bold and unwavering leadership in defense of Christians in Nigeria. His official designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern will save the lives of thousands of Christians.”  

The U.S. Congress has taken significant notice of the situation in Nigeria following the Trump administration’s designation of the country as a CPC. Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ), who for years has led efforts to highlight the issue of religious persecution in Nigeria within Congress, introduced a resolution earlier this week affirming support for Nigeria’s CPC status. In addition, thirty-one members of the House Values Action Team have issued statements commending the designation.   

Background

Recent estimates indicate that more than 7,000 Christians have been killed for their faith in 2025 alone — an average of 35 Christians murdered every day — adding to the more than 50,000–100,000 Christian deaths since Boko Haram’s insurgency began in 2009. More than 19,000 churches have been attacked or destroyed, and in Benue and Plateau States alone, more than 9,500 individuals, mostly Christians, were killed between May 2023 and May 2025, with roughly half a million newly displaced. 

Nigeria remains one of only seven countries worldwide that retain a death-penalty blasphemy law, enforced across twelve northern states. ADF International  provides legal support to individuals wrongly imprisoned under these laws, including Sufi musician Yahaya Sharif-Aminu and Christian mother Rhoda Jatau, who endured imprisonment for alleged “blasphemy.” Sharif-Aminu’s case is currently before the Supreme Court of Nigeria, with the potential to overturn northern Nigeria’s blasphemy regime. 

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BREAKING: U.S. government designates Nigeria “Country of Particular Concern”

  • United States government has officially recognized and vowed to take action to combat the mass scale persecution of Christians in Nigeria with this designation. President Trump further vows to combat the persecution of Christians worldwide
  • A “Country of Particular Concern” is officially designated by the U.S. President and Secretary of State as engaging in or tolerating “particularly severe violations of religious freedom”

WASHINGTON, D.C. (1 November 2025) — On October 31st, the United States government officially recognized and vowed to take action to combat the mass-scale persecution of Christians in Nigeria with the designation “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC). President Donald Trump announced the decision to designate Nigeria as a CPC on Truth Social and called upon members of Congress, led by Rep. Riley Moore (R-WV), to investigate and provide recommendations for how to combat the persecution.

ADF International has for years used strategic litigation and targeted advocacy to address the severe persecution of Christians and other religious minorities in Nigeria. Through legal action, engagement with policymakers, and international advocacy, ADF International has consistently called attention to the severe persecution in Nigeria, urging its designation as a CPC to help mobilize a strong and effective international response.

“We commend President Trump for his strong statement and strong action today to stand up for persecuted Christians in Nigeria and globally. The evidence is clear: the persecution of Christians in Nigeria is deliberate and at horrifying levels. The U.S. should never stand idly by as our brothers and sisters in Christ face persecution for their faith, and we are grateful that the U.S. government has made combatting persecution a priority. ADF International has supported the legal defense of clients in Nigeria for years who have faced the most severe violations of religious freedom. We have been consistently advocating for this critical designation for years and are committed to ensuring that it results in real change in Nigeria. The time is now for every persecuted Christian to find justice. The world should stand with the persecuted in Nigeria—and everywhere—now,” said ADF International Senior Counsel for Global Religious Freedom Sean Nelson.

Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), the author of legislation (H.Res.220) calling to designate Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” said: “President Trump’s announcement validates the cries and concerns of the many church leaders and practicing Christians in Nigeria, and it reflects the United States’ unfaltering intolerance for foreign governments who do not protect their citizens from religious persecution.”  

Advocacy for Nigeria’s Persecuted Christians

Providing legal support for persecuted Christians in Nigeria is a key advocacy priority for ADF International. Information about the cases we support can be found here.

ADF International supported the legal defence of Rhoda Jatau, a Christian mother imprisoned for 19 months for allegedly sharing a blasphemous video that condemned the lynching of Christian college student Deborah Emmanuel Yakubu. Jatau was fully acquitted in December 2024.

Recently, a Nigerian High Court struck down the wrongful conviction of a Christian man David* (name changed for security) who faced torture for helping a persecuted convert escape violence in the country. ADF International supported David’s legal defence.

ADF International is also supporting the legal defence of Sufi musician Yahaya Sharif-Aminu before the Supreme Court of Nigeria, imprisoned for over five years and previously sentenced to death for a WhatsApp message deemed blasphemous. Sharif-Aminu is currently awaiting a hearing date before the court after his first hearing was held in September. Following the hearing, a Nigerian state lawyer threatened to publicly execute the young man for sending a song on WhatsApp. His case carries with it the possibility of abolishing the draconian blasphemy laws that significantly exacerbate Nigeria’s climate of violence and hostility toward religious minorities, including Christians.

Country of Particular Concern Designation

ADF International, together with other human rights organizations and experts, has long urged the State Department to put Nigeria back on the CPC list. 

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) previously called the removal of Nigeria’s CPC designation by the State Department “appalling” and “inexplicable”.

Kelsey Zorzi, Senior Counsel and Director of Advocacy for Global Religious Freedom for ADF International responded to the CPC designation: “More Christians are killed for their faith in Nigeria than in the rest of the countries of the world combined. We wholeheartedly welcome today’s designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern for the severe persecution of Christians. This important step by President Trump—along with his pledge to combat persecution worldwide—brings much-needed attention to the worsening crisis and is a vital step toward accountability and concrete change. At ADF International, we have seen firsthand through our clients the suffering of individuals targeted for their faith. We urge the international community to build on this momentum and work together to ensure that every person—regardless of religion or belief—can live free from fear and oppression. Ending religious persecution is not only a political goal; it is a moral imperative.”

Designating a country as a CPC is one of the most serious and consequential actions the U.S. government can take to address violations of religious freedom. It signals that systematic, ongoing, and egregious abuses are taking place and that international attention and accountability are urgently needed. Such a designation not only raises global awareness but also opens the door for diplomatic pressure, targeted sanctions, and increased humanitarian support for affected communities.

The redesignation of Nigeria as a CPC serves as both a validation of years of documentation of the atrocities and a call to intensify efforts to ensure that those suffering for their faith are protected and that perpetrators are held to account.

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Pictured: Kelsey Zorzi; Sean Nelson

Long-Awaited Hearing Scheduled for Case of Nigerian Prisoner Sentenced to Death for WhatsApp Message

  • Supreme Court of Nigeria will hold a hearing in the appeal of Yahaya-Sharif Aminu, a young musician previously sentenced to death by hanging for alleged blasphemy.
  • ADF International is supporting Sharif-Aminu’s legal defense in a case that could strike down northern Nigeria’s blasphemy laws and set a precedent for freedom of religion across the country and world. 

ABUJA (18 September 2025) – On September 25th, the first hearing in the case of Sufi Muslim Yahaya Sharif-Aminu will be held at the Supreme Court of Nigeria. A Sharia court previously sentenced him to death by hanging in 2020 after being accused of sharing allegedly “blasphemous” song lyrics on WhatsApp. Following an appeal, the Kano State High Court overturned his conviction and ordered a retrial, where he would face the same potential death penalty. ADF International is supporting Sharif-Aminu’s defense before the Supreme Court. The case holds the potential to overturn northern Nigeria’s draconian blasphemy laws.  

“No one should be punished, let alone face death, for peacefully sharing song lyrics,” said Kelsey Zorzi, Director of Advocacy for Global Religious Freedom at ADF International. “Yahaya has languished in prison for more than five years over nothing more than a WhatsApp message. This hearing is the next step to earning justice for him and protecting his right to free expression, and in turn, that of every person in Nigeria.”  

“Yahaya has languished in prison for more than five years over nothing more than a WhatsApp message.This hearing is the next step to earning justice for him and protecting his right to free expression, and in turn, that of every person in Nigeria."

- Kelsey Zorzi, Director of Advocacy for Global Religious Freedom at ADF International.

Background

In March 2020, Yahaya-Sharif Aminu, a Sufi Muslim from Kano State, shared song lyrics on WhatsApp that some considered blasphemous. Local authorities arrested him, while a mob burned his home to the ground. On 10 August 2020, a Sharia court convicted him of blasphemy and sentenced him to death by hanging. 

In January 2021, the court overturned the conviction, citing serious procedural flaws, including the lack of legal representation during his original trial. The High Court ordered a retrial, in which Sharif-Aminu would face the same death penalty blasphemy law. After an appellate court upheld the retrial order in 2022, Yahaya Sharif-Aminu appealed to the Supreme Court of Nigeria. 

“This case goes beyond one young man. It is about whether millions of Nigerians can live free from fear under unjust blasphemy laws,” said Sean Nelson, Legal Counsel for Global Religious Freedom at ADF International. “We pray that out of Yahaya’s case, we will ultimately see an end to these draconian blasphemy laws and improved protections for religious minorities, including Christians and others, in Nigeria.” 

Sharif-Aminu has remained in prison for over five years and is currently awaiting justice from the Supreme Court.  Sharif-Aminu, in his appeal, is now asking the court not only to free him, but also to declare Kano State’s death penalty blasphemy law unconstitutional, arguing that it violates Nigeria’s own constitution and international commitments to protect freedom of religion and expression. 

A ruling in Sharif-Aminu’s favor could set a precedent for the entire country, potentially rendering blasphemy laws unenforceable and protecting religious minorities from facing similar prosecutions in the future. A positive ruling would have a major effect around the world, as Nigeria is one of only seven countries in the world with a death penalty blasphemy law. 

“It is our hope that the Supreme Court will deliver justice to this young man,” said Kola Alapinni, international human rights lawyer and legal counsel for Yahaya Sharif-Aminu. “For far too long, blasphemy laws have wrongfully been used to persecute and harm religious minorities. It is time for the court to make a decision that upholds the right to religious freedom in Nigeria.” 

Global Calls for Sharif-Aminu's Release

Sharif-Aminu’s case has received international attention. In April 2023, the European Parliament issued a near-unanimous urgency resolution calling for the repeal of Nigeria’s blasphemy laws and the immediate release of Yahaya-Sharif Aminu.   

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In a rare second urgency resolution in February 2025, the Parliament reaffirmed its stance: it demanded his “immediate and unconditional release,” condemned the blasphemy law, and urged Nigeria to lead by example in abolishing blasphemy laws that threaten religious minorities  

The United Nations also weighed in on Sharif-Aminu’s imprisonment, publicly demanding his release in May 2024. In late 2024, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention issued a thorough opinion finding Sharif-Aminu’s case in violation of multiple internationally-protected human rights and calling for his immediate release.  

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Victory for Religious Freedom: Nigerian High Court Strikes Down Wrongful Conviction of Christian Man Who Faced Torture 

Nigerian Christian man David.
  • A High Court in Northern Nigeria has overturned the wrongful conviction of a Christian man who helped a persecuted convert escape violence in the country.
  • ADF International and allied lawyers provided legal support to David’s case and secured justice after a year-and-a-half of legal struggle.
Nigerian Christian man David.

NORTHERN NIGERIA (4 AUGUST 2025) – A Nigerian High Court has overturned the wrongful conviction of a Christian man, David*, who was tortured, imprisoned and fined after aiding two adult women converts who faced violent threats for converting to Christianity. David had been falsely accused of kidnapping and other crimes in early 2024 and convicted following a rushed three-day trial without legal representation.

This case is a powerful reminder of the urgent crisis facing Christians and other religious minorities in Nigeria. David was tortured, prosecuted, and imprisoned simply for helping a woman escape violence because of her faith. We welcome the court’s decision in this case and pray that others will never have to face what David went through. Protections for religious freedom must increase within Northern Nigeria.

- Sean Nelson, Legal Counsel for Global Religious Freedom at ADF International

“This case is a powerful reminder of the urgent crisis facing Christians and other religious minorities in Nigeria. David was tortured, prosecuted, and imprisoned simply for helping a woman escape violence because of her faith,” said Sean Nelson, legal counsel for global religious freedom at ADF International. “We welcome the court’s decision in this case and pray that others will never have to face what David went through. Protections for religious freedom must increase within Northern Nigeria.”

David was one of two Church leaders targeted for their role in helping two adult women, Adah* and Naomi*, safely relocate after they converted to Christianity and faced credible death threats from family and community members. After aiding their escape, David and another church leader, Ezekiel*, were unlawfully detained and tortured for weeks by militants before being handed over to police. While Pastor Ezekiel was released without charges after legal intervention, David was prosecuted and convicted on false kidnapping charges without legal representation in a three-day sham trial at a magistrate’s court and was sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment.

ADF International-supported lawyers intervened, securing his release on bail and appealing the conviction. In July, the High Court quashed the conviction entirely and ordered the return of the fine David had been forced to pay. The state did not appear in court to defend the original prosecution.

Christian Persecution in Nigeria

Tragically, cases like David’s are common in Nigeria. Christians in the country face widespread persecution and violence from terrorist groups like Boko Haram and Muslim Fulani militias, as well as from government laws and policies that severely restrict and punish religious freedom.

“Despite the persecution in my community, I know that I have everlasting life,” David said, citing John 3:16. “This is our encouragement. My community and I, in the Christian faith, rejoice on account of the assurance of the Word of God. This is our confidence and peace.”

In 2022, roughly 5,000 Christians were murdered for their faith in Nigeria – more than the number killed in all other countries combined. For 2023, one estimate put the number of Christians targeted and killed in Northern Nigeria at over 7,000.

Through strategic legal work and partnerships, ADF International supports clients like David across Nigeria’s national courts and through international mechanisms, aiming to bring immediate relief and promote respect for religious freedom. Efforts to raise awareness of religious persecution, including recent international legislative initiatives, highlight the ongoing challenges faced by vulnerable communities in Nigeria. Efforts like these have led to the release of many persecuted Christians like David, such as Rhoda Jatau, acquitted of blasphemy charges in December 2024.

ADF International remains committed to defending religious freedom and standing alongside those persecuted for their faith until justice and liberty are secured for all.

*Names changed for security reasons.

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European Parliament Calls for Urgent Protection of Christians and other Religious Minorities in Syria Following Targeted Attacks

  • The European Parliament adopted a resolution following one of Syria’s deadliest anti-Christian attacks in years at Mar Elias Church in Damascus 
  • ADF International welcomes the resolution’s explicit condemnation of targeted violence against Christians and other religious minorities and calls for greater EU action on religious freedom in Syria 

STRASBOURG (10 July 2025) – The European Parliament has adopted an Urgency Resolution condemning the terrorist attack on the Greek Orthodox Church of Mar Elias in Damascus and calling for increased protection of Christians and other religious minorities in Syria. The resolution urges action against the rise of violent Islamist extremism and emphasizes the urgent need for religious freedom protections.

“This resolution marks an important step toward building international momentum to protect Christians and other religious minorities in Syria,” said Kelsey Zorzi, Director of Global Religious Freedom for ADF International. “The European Parliament is right to demand accountability, not only for the Mar Elias attack, but for the broader pattern of religious persecution in Syria, and to condition future support on the Syrian government’s compliance with human rights obligations.” 

This resolution marks an important step toward building international momentum to protect Christians and other religious minorities in Syria. The European Parliament is right to demand accountability, not only for the Mar Elias attack, but for the broader pattern of religious persecution in Syria, and to condition future support on the Syrian government’s compliance with human rights obligations."

-Kelsey Zorzi, Director of Global Religious Freedom for ADF International

Growing threats to religious minorities in Syria demand urgent international response

The resolution follows the June 22 suicide bombing at the Mar Elias Church in Damascus, which left at least 25 dead and over 60 injured in the deadliest anti-Christian attack in Syria in years. The Islamist terrorist group Saraya Ansar al Sunna has claimed responsibility for the deadly attack. 

The European Parliament condemned the attack and urged the Syrian transitional authorities to conduct independent investigations and to “ensure accountability including by prosecuting perpetrators and enablers of human rights violations like in the case of Mar Elias.” The resolution also calls for the Syrian government to restore the historic Mar Elias Church and to establish a Syria Reconstruction Fund to support reconciliation and interfaith dialogue. The Parliament further calls on EU Member States to maintain and expand targeted sanctions against those responsible for religious freedom violations.

The resolution draws specific attention to the vulnerability of Christian communities in Syria. In addition to the recent violence, Christians in Syria are facing an escalating pattern of harassment and intimidation—including the recent vandalism of a church in Tartus, where messages were left demanding that local Christians pay jizyah, a historical tax imposed on non-Muslims. In other cities across the country, pastors have faced pressure from authorities to allow government monitoring of church activities. Christians have also been subjected to discriminatory treatment at military and security checkpoints, and there have been multiple reports of Christian cemeteries being desecrated, with crosses on tombs deliberately destroyed. These actions collectively contribute to an atmosphere of fear and marginalization for Syria’s Christian minority. 

In addition to threats to their safety, harassment, and intimidation, Christians and other religious minorities in Syria face increasing and systemic economic discrimination. Reports indicate that many are denied access to public sector employment, excluded from key roles in the private sector, and often encounter barriers when renewing business licenses or seeking state services. This economic marginalization leaves religious minority families in a highly vulnerable position and continues to drive the emigration and decline of one of Syria’s oldest religious communities. 

The resolution was adopted as a joint motion pursuant to Rule 136(4) and 150 of the European Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, referring to breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law. The joint motion was tabled by several major political groups, signaling broad consensus on the need to address religious persecution in Syria. 

“We call on the European Commission to reappoint, without further delay, a Special Envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief outside the EU,” said Adina Portaru, Senior Counsel for ADF International in Brussels. “This would be an important step in showing much-needed, real commitment to protecting this fundamental right worldwide.” 

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WIN for religious freedom in Nigeria: Christian mother of 5, Rhoda Jatau, fully acquitted of charges for “blasphemy”

Sean Nelson talks with Rhoda Jatau who faces persecution as a Christian in Nigeria.
  • Following a two-and-a-half-year legal ordeal, judge in Bauchi State, Nigeria acquits Rhoda Jatau of “blasphemy” charges; Rhoda faced up to 5 years in prison if convicted.  
  • Jatau spent 19 months in prison before being released on bail for allegedly sharing a blasphemous video that condemned the lynching of Christian college student Deborah Emmanuel Yakubu.  
  • Jatau is now safe in an undisclosed location; ADF International supported Jatau’s legal defence, leading advocacy efforts for religious freedom and free expression rights in Nigeria.

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BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA (19 December 2024) Rhoda Jatau, a Christian and mother of 5 in Nigeria, has been fully acquitted of any wrongdoing following a two-and-a-half-year legal ordeal on charges of alleged blasphemy. Jatau was imprisoned in May 2022 on blasphemy charges for allegedly sharing a video on WhatsApp condemning the lynching of Deborah Emmanuel Yakubu, a Nigerian university student who was murdered and set on fire by a mob of her classmates in May 2022 for sharing her Christian faith. 

Jatau was granted bail in December 2023 and remained safely in an undisclosed location while her trial continued. A judge in Bauchi State, Nigeria, announced Jatau’s full acquittal last week.  

“We are thankful to God for Rhoda’s full acquittal and an end to the ordeal she has endured for far too long,” said Sean Nelson, legal counsel for ADF International. “No person should be punished for peaceful expression, and we are grateful that Rhoda Jatau has been fully acquitted. But Rhoda should never have been arrested in the first place. We will continue to seek justice for Christians and other religious minorities in Nigeria who are unjustly imprisoned and plagued by the draconian blasphemy laws.”   

The Nigerian ADF International allied lawyer, serving as lead counsel on Jatau’s case, responded: “After a two-and-a-half-year ordeal, including 19 long months in prison, we are happy that Rhoda finally has been acquitted of any wrongdoing. We thank all who have been praying for Rhoda, and we ask for your continued prayers as Nigerians continue to push back against persecution.”   

Sean Nelson talks with Rhoda Jatau, ADF International client and persecuted Christian,

Pictured: ADF International legal counsel Sean Nelson and Rhoda Jatau

Alleged “blasphemy” 

Jatau, a Christian and mother of five, was imprisoned from May 2022 through December 2023 for allegedly sharing a video on WhatsApp condemning the lynching of Deborah Emmanuel Yakubu, a Nigerian university student who was murdered and set on fire by a mob of her classmates in May 2022 for sharing her Christian faith.  

Jatau was charged under sections 114 (public disturbance) and 210 (religious insult) of the Bauchi State Penal Code, and if convicted, faced 5 years in prison.  

Prior to being granted bail and during her 19-month imprisonment, Jatau was repeatedly denied bail and detained incommunicado, only having intermittent access to legal counsel and family members during court appearances.  

Before granting bail, a judge in Bauchi State, Nigeria, refused to dismiss prosecutors’ case in their trial against Jatau. The decision to continue with the prosecution followed a “no case submission” filed by Jatau’s lawyers after the prosecution had rested based on serious evidentiary issues. Jatau’s lawyers raised significant legal failures in the prosecution’s case, and argued that they had not established the basic elements of their case against Jatau.  

The grant of bail and final acquittal followed international outcry over Jatau’s imprisonment. Highlighting both Jatau and Yakubu’s cases, and in response to appeals from ADF International and other religious freedom advocacy organizations, United Nations experts sent a joint allegation letter to the Nigerian government in October of 2023. The letter emphasized the danger of blasphemy laws as a violation of international human rights and called attention to Jatau’s unjust imprisonment.    

Nigeria’s Persecution of Christians   

The cases of Rhoda Jatau and Deborah Emmanuel Yakubu are but two examples of the widespread violence against religious minorities, including Christians in Northern Nigeria, prevalent in Nigeria today.     

Together with other religious minorities in Nigeria, the persecution of Christians in Nigeria is especially severe. Worldwide, over 5,500 Christians were killed for their faith in 2022. Of those, 90% were Nigerian.      

The criminalisation of blasphemy in Nigeria carries with it dangerous implications for the country as a whole. In a country of more than 200 million, split nearly evenly between Christians and Muslims, blasphemy laws are a significant driver of societal tensions. These laws punish the innocent for expressing their beliefs, silence people from sharing their faith, and perpetuate societal violence. Blasphemy laws throughout Nigeria encourage brutal mob violence and inflict severe harm on minority Muslims, Christian converts, and others.    

ADF International also is supporting the legal defence of Nigerian musician Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, a Sufi Muslim who was sentenced to death by hanging for sharing song lyrics that were deemed “blasphemous” on WhatsApp. With the support of ADF International, Yahaya is appealing his case to the Supreme Court of Nigeria in the hopes of overturning the death penalty blasphemy laws in Nigeria. Yahaya remains in prison awaiting his appeal. Yahaya has been imprisoned for over four and a half years.  

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