History in Makkah: Nigerian Teen Wins Prestigious Qur’anic Contest, Breaks 46-Year Gender Barrier

Makkah, Saudi Arabia – In a landmark achievement that has sent waves of pride across Nigeria, a young Qur’anic scholar from Gombe State has shattered records and broken gender barriers at one of the world’s most prestigious Islamic competitions. Maryam Ibrahim Dan’azumi, a student of Abubakar Siddiq Community Islamic School for Qur’anic Memorisation in Herwagana Quarters, Gombe, has emerged as the overall winner of the 46th King Abdulaziz International Qur’anic Competition held in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Her victory is not merely a personal triumph—it is a historic milestone. The 2026 edition marked the very first time in 46 years that female contestants were permitted to participate in the competition, making Maryam’s win a groundbreaking moment for women in Qur’anic scholarship globally.

Maryam competed in the competition’s second category, widely regarded as one of the most demanding tracks. Contestants in this category are required to demonstrate complete memorisation of the entire Holy Qur’an across all 60 Hizb, flawless recitation with advanced Tajweed rules of pronunciation, and in-depth knowledge of Qur’anic interpretation, known as Tafsir. Her journey to the international stage was a grueling test of discipline and excellence. Maryam first clinched first position at the Gombe Local Government Area level, advanced to secure first place in Gombe State, and subsequently emerged best nationally before earning the right to represent Nigeria in Saudi Arabia.

For her outstanding performance, Maryam was awarded 300,000 Saudi Riyals, which is approximately ₦108 million to ₦120 million depending on prevailing exchange rates. She triumphed over a record-breaking field of 334 male and female contestants from 133 countries, making this the largest turnout in the competition’s history. In the female second category, Bahrain’s Amat Al-Rahman Badi Mutahhar Kulaib secured second place with SAR275,000, highlighting the fiercely competitive nature of the event.

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Maryam’s achievement is even more remarkable when viewed within the context of her family legacy. Her elder sister, Hajara Ibrahim Dan’azumi, won the overall title at the 18th Hashemite Jordan International Qur’anic Competition for Females in 2024, scoring an impressive 99.5 percent. Following Hajara’s victory, she received a Hajj seat from NAHCON, a ₦5 million gift from the Gombe State Governor, and a full scholarship from undergraduate to Ph.D. level. Another sibling, Safiyya Dan’azumi, also distinguished herself by clinching eighth position in the 20 Hizb category at a national competition. The Dan’azumi family has thus become a symbol of excellence in Islamic education and a source of immense pride for Nigeria.

Reacting to Maryam’s historic feat, Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya described the victory as a monumental achievement that underscores the educational heritage of Gombe State. In a statement signed by Ismaila Misilli, Director-General of Press Affairs at the Gombe Government House, the Governor said he is deeply proud of his daughter’s exceptional achievement on the global stage, adding that Maryam’s triumph exemplifies the excellence and rich educational heritage of Gombe State. He stressed that her victory brings pride not only to Gombe but to Nigeria as a whole. Governor Yahaya noted that Maryam’s success demonstrates the transformative power of discipline, dedication, and commitment to education. He expressed confidence that her achievement would inspire numerous young people, especially girls, to pursue excellence in their chosen fields, stating that he is particularly confident that this feat will inspire numerous young people, especially our girls, to pursue excellence and distinguish themselves in their chosen fields. The Governor also reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to supporting Qur’anic and religious education, which he described as vital for character formation and responsible citizenship. He emphasised that his administration’s commitment to promoting the educational journey of young people, particularly in the realm of religious studies, remains unwavering, and that they recognise its role in moulding character and contributing to societal development. He further disclosed that he looks forward to personally honouring Maryam upon her return to Nigeria, stating that such recognition would encourage her to maintain her pursuit of excellence and inspire other young Nigerians.

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Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, also hailed Maryam’s victory through the Isa Pantami Foundation. In his congratulatory message, he said that seeing two sisters excel in international Qur’an competitions is particularly heartwarming. He added that Maryam’s achievement is a source of pride to her family and a beautiful reflection of the talent and potential among the young people of Gombe State in particular, and Nigeria in general.

Governor Yahaya has a long-standing connection with Maryam’s school, Abubakar Siddiq Community Islamic School for Qur’anic Memorisation. He served as its pioneer Chairman of the Board before assuming office as Governor, later relinquishing the position to Architect Yunusa Yakubu. The Governor commended the institution for its instrumental role in Maryam’s development and success, urging parents, teachers, religious institutions, and other stakeholders to invest in young talents and provide them with the necessary support and opportunities to thrive.

The 46th King Abdulaziz International Qur’anic Competition will be remembered not only for the exceptional quality of participants but also for its historic decision to allow women to compete for the first time. Maryam Ibrahim Dan’azumi’s victory has thus become a powerful symbol of female excellence in religious scholarship, challenging stereotypes and opening doors for future generations of female Qur’anic memorisers across the Muslim world. Her achievement reinforces the message that talent knows no gender and that with dedication, hard work, and divine guidance, young people can conquer the highest stages of global competition.

As Maryam prepares to return to Nigeria, anticipation is building for a hero’s welcome in Gombe State. Governor Yahaya has already signalled his intention to personally honour her, and many expect that she will follow in her sister Hajara’s footsteps, receiving scholarships and other forms of support to further her education. Her story is a testament to the power of family support, the role of quality Islamic education, and the importance of government recognition in nurturing talent.

In summary, Maryam’s historic victory as the first female overall winner in the 46-year history of the competition, her triumph over a record-breaking field of 334 contestants from 133 countries, the remarkable family legacy with her elder sister having won a similar international competition in Jordan in 2024, the strong government recognition with the Gombe State Governor planning to honour her personally, and the immense inspiration her achievement provides for girls to pursue Qur’anic excellence all combine to make this a truly momentous occasion for Nigeria and the global Muslim community.

History in Makkah: Nigerian Teen Wins Prestigious Qur’anic Contest, Breaks 46-Year Gender Barrier

Former MFM Pastor Femi Jimoh Dies After Years of Detention, Legal Dispute 

Former pastor of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, MFM, Femi Jimoh, has reportedly died, years after his release from a prolonged detention that became the centre of a bitter legal dispute involving the church.

Jimoh’s death was reported on Thursday, August 20, 2026, by UK-based Nigerian blogger Maureen Badejo and subsequently reported by Sahara Reporters and other media platforms. Reports said the former pastor had battled serious health challenges following his years in detention and an alleged gunshot injury to his leg. However, the specific cause of his death has not been independently established.

His death has brought renewed attention to the controversial case in which he and two other former MFM pastors were accused of conspiring to rob the church.

Jimoh was arrested in January 2008 and subsequently prosecuted alongside Henry Aiyewero and Caleb Oloruntele over allegations connected with a planned robbery of MFM.

Court records later showed that Jimoh remained in custody for about eight years before he was discharged and acquitted by a Lagos State High Court. The National Industrial Court, in a subsequent judgment concerning his employment dispute with MFM, noted that he had been arrested on January 25, 2008, prosecuted for robbery and conspiracy to rob the church, and remained incarcerated until his acquittal and discharge.

Following his release, Jimoh became increasingly vocal about his experience in detention. His account gained widespread attention after a 2024 interview with Yoruba Gidi TV, during which he alleged that his ordeal had begun after he encountered Michael Gbadamosi, who was then the Chief Security Officer to MFM founder, Pastor Daniel Olukoya, at the residence of a native doctor.

Jimoh alleged that he was subsequently arrested and detained without knowing the offence for which he was being held.

He further claimed that he was initially kept in a cell for about 30 days without access to a lawyer and was later subjected to physical abuse.

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According to his account, he was handcuffed and transported in the boot of a vehicle before being taken to Olukoya’s residence. He alleged that he pleaded with the MFM founder not to allow him to be returned to police custody because he did not understand why he was being detained.

Jimoh also made the serious allegation that a Divisional Police Officer shot him in the leg during his detention.

He claimed that he was subsequently taken to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, where he and others allegedly spent several weeks before being charged with offences including conspiracy, armed robbery and felony. These allegations were made by Jimoh and have not been independently established as facts.

The Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries strongly rejected Jimoh’s allegations.

In a statement issued in 2024, the church denied that it or its General Overseer, Pastor Daniel Olukoya, had imprisoned Jimoh or Caleb Oloruntele for nine years.

MFM’s Chief Legal Adviser, Davidson Adejuwon, described the allegations as false and maintained that the church did not frame the former pastors or cause them to remain in custody. The church also disputed claims that Olukoya had used his influence to secure their prolonged detention.

MFM maintained that the criminal case was a matter between the accused persons and the relevant law-enforcement and prosecuting authorities, rather than an action in which the church had unlawfully detained them.

The controversy did not end with Jimoh’s release.

He subsequently instituted proceedings concerning his employment relationship with MFM, including claims relating to his salary and employment status during the period he was incarcerated.

In its judgment, the National Industrial Court examined the circumstances surrounding his arrest and prolonged incarceration.

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The court record stated that MFM had argued that Jimoh had effectively abandoned his employment because of his prolonged absence. The church also maintained that his arrest and prosecution were undertaken by the police and the Lagos State authorities and were not caused by the church in the manner alleged by Jimoh.

The court, however, found that Jimoh could not reasonably be regarded as having voluntarily absconded from work because he was in custody following his arrest and prosecution. The judgment noted that he had remained incarcerated for about eight years until his acquittal and discharge.

The legal battle therefore became a separate chapter in the long-running controversy surrounding his relationship with the church.

The criminal case eventually ended in Jimoh’s favour when the Lagos State High Court discharged and acquitted him and the other defendants.

The acquittal became a central part of Jimoh’s subsequent public account of his experience, particularly his argument that he had spent years in custody over allegations he maintained were unfounded.

However, the acquittal did not resolve all the disagreements between Jimoh and MFM, with the former pastor continuing to make allegations against the church and its leadership, while MFM consistently rejected his claims.

Jimoh’s reported death has now revived public interest in the circumstances surrounding his arrest, years-long detention and subsequent legal battles.

His supporters and commentators have questioned why he spent so many years in custody before the conclusion of his trial, while others have pointed to the need to distinguish between allegations made by the late pastor and matters established by the courts.

For now, reports surrounding his death remain subject to further confirmation, particularly regarding the circumstances and medical cause of his passing.

The controversy surrounding his detention also remains a complex matter involving allegations by Jimoh, denials by MFM and documented court proceedings.

As news of his death spread on Thursday, tributes and reactions began emerging online, with many Nigerians recalling the former pastor’s emotional accounts of his years in custody and the prolonged dispute that followed his release.

Jimoh’s death marks the end of the life of a former MFM minister whose name became closely associated with one of the most controversial detention and church-related legal disputes to attract significant public attention in Nigeria in recent years.

For the family, former colleagues and supporters, however, the immediate focus is likely to be on mourning his passing, while questions surrounding his long detention and the events that followed continue to generate public debate.

Former MFM Pastor Femi Jimoh Dies After Years of Detention, Legal Dispute