A Nigerian High Court has overturned the wrongful conviction of David (not his real name), a Christian man who was imprisoned, tortured, and fined for 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 was convicted following a rushed three-day trial without having any legal representation.

In what is a strong reminder of the religious persecution Christians face around the world, 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, who helped secure the overturning of David’s conviction.

“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.”

Christians in many countries around the world still face persecution including imprisonment, torture, displacement, and more.

It’s an important reminder that we must never take religious freedom in Australia for granted and we must continue to defend freedom of conscience, freedom of speech, and freedom of religion.

With support from ADF International lawyers, David was released on bail, and his case was appealed. In July, the High Court overturned his conviction, ordered his fine repaid, and noted the state failed to defend the prosecution.

We must pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world, of which there are still far too many.