Girl who converted to Islam tells court she is 18 years not 14 as claimed by her parents

Habiba Ishaku: The Girl Who Converted To Islam |

Last year, Habiba converted from Christianity to Islam and got married to  Jamilu Lawal of Kankara Local Government Area without her parents’ consent.

The girl dissociated herself from a suit allegedly filed on her behalf by Trustees of Stefanos Foundation and the Evangelical Church Winning All, ECWA over her conversion to Islam.

Habiba's parents, the representatives of ECWA and the foundation were of the opinion that she is underage.

Habiba, now of Kankara Local Government Area of the state,The girl presented a letter to the chief judge, Justice Baraka Iliyasu-Wali, insisting she was 18 and not 14 years, as claimed.

The court was urged by the counsel to the suer to disregard the letter as it was written in Hausa language and should not be admitted as a document before the court.

The defense counsel, Mr. Abu Umar, argued that since the letter is translated in English language, it can stand as concrete document before the court.

“Even if she is a minor as argued by the defense, there is no law that prevents a minor from expressing his or her views according to the Nigerian Constitution.” He said.

Justice Iliyasu-Wali ruled that there would be need for Habiba to confirm or deny authorship of the letter.

The case was adjourned to January 25 for hearing.