Free Speech?

Dear All

You’ve likely seen the headlines about rising levels of Christian persecution in Nigeria. Every year, thousands of Christians are murdered in Nigeria simply for their faith – more than in all other countries combined.   But what you may not know is that persecution in Nigeria isn’t new – it's actually written into the law. Harsh blasphemy laws criminalise people for expressing their beliefs, sometimes for nothing more than sharing a song lyric or social media post.   These laws embolden violent mobs, silence Christians, and strip people of their most basic human freedoms. A blasphemy accusation alone can mean imprisonment, mob violence, or even a death sentence.   Take the case of our client Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, a young Sufi singer sentenced to death in 2020 for allegedly sharing lyrics deemed blasphemous. For more than five long years, he has been in prison, waiting for justice from Nigeria’s Supreme Court.   Or take Deborah Emmanuel Yakubu, a Christian student brutally stoned to death and set on fire by her classmates in May 2022 for alleged blasphemy – all because of her faith in Jesus Christ. She posted a message in a WhatsApp group, thanking Jesus for helping her pass her exams.   Cases like these are far too common in Nigeria. But how many more lives must be destroyed before the world acts to protect the basic right to believe?  Our Global Religious Freedom team is supporting Yahaya's case before Nigeria’s highest court. Our goal is the overturning of blasphemy laws and increasing protection for religious freedom for all people because no one should be jailed, punished, or killed for peacefully living out their faith.   And there is hope – we are seeing progress with your support.   In December 2024, Rhoda Jatau, a Christian and mother of five in Nigeria, was fully acquitted of any wrongdoing following a two-and-a-half-year legal ordeal on charges of alleged blasphemy. Rhoda was imprisoned in May 2022 for allegedly sharing a video on WhatsApp condemning the lynching of Deborah Emmanuel Yakubu. After being granted bail in December 2023, she was forced to live in hiding while her trial continued. Now, with our legal support, she is free.  Through our training programmes, we continue to equip local lawyers, advocates, and communities to stand firm for religious freedom and defend those unjustly accused.   As Christmas approaches, let us be grateful for our freedoms while advocating for those worldwide who yearn to freely live out their faith. As we prepare for 2026, we need your ongoing support to stand for those whose faith is under fire.   Will you stand with the persecuted this season?

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Thankfully, the U.S. government has taken a major stand for persecuted Christians in Nigeria. On October 31st, President Trump announced that Nigeria will be designated a “Country of Particular Concern” – one of the strongest actions America can take against a nation accused of severe violations of religious freedom.   Such a designation not only raises global awareness but also opens the door for diplomatic pressure, targeted sanctions, and increased humanitarian support for Nigeria’s affected communities.   Building on this momentum, the U.S. Mission to the United Nations hosted an event in November to highlight this crisis and to call for stronger U.S. and international action. Our lawyer, Sean Nelson, joined diplomats and advocates, along with pop star Nicki Minaj, in calling for greater awareness of the persecution facing Nigerian Christians and for more robust global protections.  For years, we have been on the front lines – using legal action, engagement with policymakers, and international advocacy to consistently call attention to this crisis. Your support has been crucial to this.   Together, we are bringing freedom and justice to Christians around the world.  With gratitude,   ADF UK