ARISE News has come under renewed criticism for its coverage of the conviction of Lami Samuel Dawa, a Borno woman, after acknowledging that the case involved a teenager taken from her parents without their consent. The controversy began with a segment on the station's Morning Show, featuring its What's Trending segment led by anchor Ojy Okpe, which went viral on Friday, October 30, 2026. During the discussion, presenters condemned the judgment against Dawa, who was sentenced to 14 years' imprisonment, and called for her release.
The report generated reactions from social media users, particularly Islamophobes who used the controversy to attack Islam and Muslims, portraying the conviction as evidence of religious persecution. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) expressed concern over Dawa's conviction in a statement issued on Saturday, October 31, signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh. CAN said it was particularly concerned by reports that the case arose from the conversion of an adult woman to Christianity, raising questions about religious freedom and constitutional rights.
However, the Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) Nigeria accused CAN of advancing an inaccurate account of the case. MPAC's press release, issued on Sunday, November 1, stated that the case, The State v. Lami Samuel Dawa & 4 Others, Suit No. BOHC/MG/CR/154/2025, was decided by the Borno State High Court, Maiduguri Judicial Division, on May 5, 2026, before Justice A. B. Kumdila. According to MPAC, Dawa faced six counts bordering on conspiracy to abduct a child, enticing a child away from parental custody, and converting her to Christianity.
In a statement issued on Monday, November 2, alongside a video explanation by Ojy Okpe, ARISE News acknowledged that the case involved a teenager who was taken away from her parents without their consent. The station's response has attracted further criticism, with some Nigerians demanding an apology to the Muslim community and the wider public over the earlier presentation. ARISE News stated that some media outlets had circulated only the portion of its earlier report concerning calls for the release of Dawa.
Social media users have continued to react to the controversy, with several Nigerians questioning why ARISE News had not apologized to the public and Muslim community. Some accused the station of selectively presenting the religious identities of those involved. Critics described this as hypocrisy, arguing that the station would likely have highlighted the religious identities of the parties if a Muslim had been the suspect and a Christian the victim.
Dr. Abubakar Hidima wrote: "You're all liars from the pit of hell. You asked that a child kidnapper, who kidnapped an underaged girl and converted her to Christianity should be set free." Engr. Yasi questioned whether the station would take responsibility for the consequences of its earlier coverage. Another user, Ak Imanicah, called on ARISE News to apologize to Muslims and the general public.
The controversy highlights the challenges of reporting sensitive issues in Nigeria, where religious and ethnic identities often intersect. As the debate continues, ARISE News faces pressure to address concerns about its handling of the case and its perceived bias. The incident raises questions about the role of the media in promoting peaceful coexistence and accurate information.
Key points
- ARISE News under fire for failing to apologise after admitting Borno abduction case involved Muslim minor
- The case involved a teenager taken from her parents without their consent and convicted of enticing a child away from parental custody
- Critics accuse ARISE News of selectively presenting religious identities of those involved and hypocrisy
