Army-UNIOSUN Clash: University Faults Military’s Position on Alleged Hostel Assault

OSOGBO – The management of Osun State University (UNIOSUN) has publicly rejected the position of the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, regarding allegations of sexual assault involving military personnel and students, insisting that survivors of sexual violence should never be compelled to report directly to institutions linked to alleged perpetrators .

The disagreement stems from allegations that military recruits from the Nigerian Army Depot in Osogbo invaded private student hostels on June 29, assaulting students, sexually harassing female students, and carting away mobile phones and other valuables . The Vice Chancellor, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, described the incident as one of the “darkest moments” in the institution’s recent history and referred to the perpetrators as “misfits” unfit to serve in the Nigerian Army . The university’s response follows an earlier statement by the Depot Nigerian Army, which said it had not received any formal complaint or credible evidence to substantiate rape allegations linked to recently passed-out personnel, even as it reaffirmed that an ongoing investigation would be thorough and transparent .

In a statement issued on Friday by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Depot Nigerian Army Osogbo, Major Ibrahim Yahaya, the Army stated that the allegations had been attributed to the Vice Chancellor and amplified on social media platforms . The Army appealed to victims and witnesses of the alleged assault at the UNIOSUN hostels to provide evidence to assist its ongoing investigation into allegations of misconduct involving some recently passed-out military personnel . The Army stated that the Board of Inquiry, which was formed earlier to probe charges against its personnel, is still in operation and would “leave no stone unturned” . It assured that any personnel found culpable would be dealt with in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other extant laws . The military also disclosed that some personnel involved have been apprehended and are undergoing disciplinary procedures .

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In a statement issued on Friday by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, the institution welcomed the Army’s decision to establish a Board of Inquiry but expressed concerns about the expectation that alleged victims should report directly to the same institution whose personnel are under investigation . According to the university, such an approach ignores the trauma, fear, intimidation, and psychological barriers that frequently prevent survivors of sexual violence from reporting directly to organisations affiliated with the alleged offenders . The institution also rejected any suggestion that it should reveal the identities of affected students or compel them to appear before military authorities . “Osun State University owes every student a duty of care, confidentiality and protection. The University will not compromise the privacy, dignity or safety of any student by disclosing identities without their informed consent or in contravention of applicable laws,” the statement said .

UNIOSUN stressed that the welfare and safety of its students remain its top priority, adding that the Vice-Chancellor would continue to support students who report harassment, assault, or abuse . According to the statement, “The Vice-Chancellor’s earlier comments were not intended to prejudge the outcome of any investigation or sensationalise the matter but were made in fulfilment of the University’s responsibility to address concerns affecting the safety and well-being of its students” . The university maintained that investigations into sexual assault charges should be victim-centred, independent, transparent, and capable of inspiring public trust . “The University believes that survivors of sexual violence should never be placed in circumstances where they may reasonably fear intimidation or victimisation by being required to report directly to those connected with the subject of an investigation,” the statement added .

UNIOSUN also disagreed with the Depot Nigerian Army’s characterisation of the Vice-Chancellor’s comments as unconfirmed or potentially misleading, insisting that the remarks were made responsibly, in good faith, and in accordance with the institution’s statutory and moral obligation to protect its students . The university further announced that it had instructed its legal advisers to commence appropriate legal proceedings to safeguard the integrity of the institution, the reputation of the Vice-Chancellor and the interests of its students . “The appropriate judicial process provides the proper forum for resolving the issues arising from this unfortunate development,” the statement said .

Army-UNIOSUN Clash: University Faults Military’s Position on Alleged Hostel Assault

Gunmen Kill Retired Army Officer, Abduct Woman in Nasarawa Community

NASARAWA – Suspected gunmen have killed a retired Nigerian Army officer and abducted a woman during a midnight attack on a residential community in Nasarawa State bordering the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) , heightening security concerns along the Abuja outskirts .

The attack occurred at approximately 12:45 am on Friday at Plot 038, PGC Community, located along the Nasarawa-FCT border near Jikwoyi . Police sources confirmed that the assailants invaded the residence of Silas Orite, 46, and forcibly abducted his wife, Bukola Oluwatoyin Silas, 40, taking her to an unknown destination . During the attack, the Community Chief Security Officer, Master Warrant Officer Reuben Yelwa, 61, a retired Nigerian Army personnel, responded in an attempt to assist the family but was shot dead by the assailants . The retired officer’s intervention came as the attackers were carrying out the raid.

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Police officers visited the scene after the attack, documented evidence, and commenced investigations into the incident . According to security sources, security operatives have intensified efforts to rescue the abducted woman unharmed and track down those responsible for the attack . Area domination operations have been reinforced in and around the community to prevent further criminal activities, while patrols have been stepped up along the FCT-Nasarawa border . Authorities have called on residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies.

The incident adds to growing concerns over insecurity in communities located along the Nasarawa-FCT border, where residents have repeatedly called for stronger security measures to curb kidnappings and violent crimes . The area has experienced increasing criminal activities, with kidnappers and bandits exploiting the porous boundaries between the FCT and Nasarawa State to evade security forces . This latest attack follows a pattern of violence in border communities, where criminal elements have targeted residents for abduction and robbery . In recent months, police have arrested several armed robbery suspects operating between Jikwoyi and Nasarawa State, highlighting the security challenges facing the region . The police have urged residents to report suspicious persons or activities through the command’s emergency lines as investigations continue.

Gunmen Kill Retired Army Officer, Abduct Woman in Nasarawa Community

MURIC Appeals ISI Hijab Judgment, Seeks Stay of Execution

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Oyo State Chapter, has filed a notice of appeal against the judgment of the Court of Appeal on the International School, University of Ibadan (ISI) hijab case and urged the school management not to enforce its directive banning the use of hijab pending the determination of its application for a stay of execution.

The organisation disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by its General Secretary, Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, following a notice reportedly issued by the management of ISI directing that, with effect from Monday, July 6, 2026, female students would no longer be permitted to wear the hijab with the school uniform.

According to MURIC, the directive was based on the judgment delivered earlier on Friday by the Court of Appeal, Ibadan, which overturned the May 22, 2024, ruling of the Oyo State High Court that had recognised the right of 11 Muslim female students to wear the hijab as part of their school uniform.

The group, however, said it had immediately commenced the appellate process by filing and serving a Notice of Appeal, alongside a Motion for Stay of Execution/Injunction Pending Appeal before the appropriate court.

MURIC argued that the filing of the appeal means the legal dispute has not been concluded and that the rights of the affected Muslim students remain subject to further judicial determination.

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“The filing and service of these processes signify that the legal contest is far from concluded,” the organisation said.

It maintained that implementing the Court of Appeal judgment before the pending application for a stay of execution is determined would be inappropriate and could prejudice the judicial process.

The group therefore called on the management of the International School, University of Ibadan, to exercise restraint and refrain from enforcing the directive pending the court’s decision on its application.

According to MURIC, taking steps to implement the judgment at this stage could render the pending application ineffective and heighten tensions within the school community.

The organisation reiterated its commitment to resolving the dispute through lawful means, stressing that the protection of fundamental rights and peaceful coexistence can only be guaranteed through respect for due process and judicial proceedings.

MURIC also appealed to Muslim parents, guardians, students and members of the Muslim community to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding while the legal process continues.

It urged stakeholders to avoid any action capable of disrupting public peace, expressing confidence that the courts would ultimately determine the matter in accordance with the Constitution and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing all available legal remedies in defence of what it described as the constitutional rights of Muslim students.

The latest development comes hours after the Court of Appeal, in a split decision, held that ISI is a private school because it does not receive direct government subventions and ruled that the Supreme Court’s earlier judgment recognising the right of Muslim students to wear the hijab applies only to publicly funded schools.

The appellate court also held that the affected students voluntarily accepted the school’s dress code upon admission. However, it upheld the finding that confining the students to the school library over their use of the hijab violated their rights, although it reduced the damages awarded by the High Court.

The case is expected to proceed to the Supreme Court, where the final determination on the dispute over the use of the hijab at ISI will be made.

MURIC Appeals ISI Hijab Judgment, Seeks Stay of Execution