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MSSN condemns Oyedepo’s misleading comments on hijab rights
MSSN condemns Oyedepo’s misleading comments on hijab rights
PRESS RELEASE
Date: 8th August, 2025
From: Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Kwara Area Unit
Email: msskwara@gmail.com
MSSN KWARA AREA UNIT STRONGLY CONDEMNS BISHOP OYEDEPO’S MISLEADING AND IRRESPONSIBLE COMMENTS ON HIJAB RIGHTS
The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Kwara Area Unit, notes with deep concern and disappointment the recent utterances credited to Bishop David Oyedepo on the lawful use of hijab by Muslim female students in Kwara State public schools.
In a widely reported sermon, Oyedepo described the demand for hijab as a “nasty development,” likened Muslim students to “tenants dictating to landlords,” and issued inflammatory spiritual threats, describing the matter as a “time bomb” that could invite “the consuming fire of God.”
Such language, coming from someone who positions himself as a moral compass, is factually wrong, historically distorted, and unbefitting of a figure who claims to speak for peace. By portraying an entire faith community’s constitutional right as “nasty” and “dangerous,” David Oyedepo has traded the dignity of responsible leadership for the fleeting applause of those who thrive on division.
It bears restating that the schools in question are state-owned public institutions—acquired, funded, and managed by the Kwara State Government for decades—not private properties of any religious denomination. The “tenant vs landlord” analogy is therefore not only false but a careless attempt at historical revisionism. It exposes either a worrying ignorance of the facts or a deliberate willingness to mislead the public.
The hijab is a divinely mandated act of modesty in Islam (Qur’an 24:31; 33:59) and its lawful use in public schools was affirmed by the Supreme Court of Nigeria in *Asiyat AbdulKareem & Ors v. Lagos State Government* (SC.910/2016). No individual—no matter the size of his congregation, wealth, or stage—has the moral or legal authority to brand a constitutionally protected act of worship as a provocation or threat.
Furthermore, invoking spiritual curses and violent metaphors against lawful religious practice is not the mark of a statesman or a unifier. It is the conduct of one who sees moral responsibility as optional and regards truth as expendable when it conflicts with personal sentiment. Nigeria’s fragile peace requires leaders who can rise above prejudice, not those who inflame it under the cloak of piety.
In light of this, MSSN strongly advises Muslim parents and guardians to be vigilant in the choice of schools for their wards. We encourage the patronage of Muslim-owned or government-owned institutions where the religious rights of Muslim students are respected, protected, and upheld without prejudice. Entrusting our children’s education to institutions hostile to their faith is a direct risk to their spiritual and moral development.
We urge Oyedepo to reflect soberly on the danger of his words, retract his misleading statements, and choose the higher path of fostering harmony over discord. We equally call on the Kwara State Government to reaffirm its unwavering commitment to protecting the religious rights of all students in public institutions.
The MSSN Kwara Area Unit remains steadfast in defending the dignity and rights of Muslim students through all lawful means.
Signed:
Adnan Muhammad Nasir
Amir / Chairman
Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, Kwara Area Unit.
MSSN condemns Oyedepo’s misleading comments on hijab rights
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Benue School Harassment: Authorities Investigate Assault on Female Student at Seat of Wisdom Aliade
Benue School Harassment: Authorities Investigate Assault on Female Student at Seat of Wisdom Aliade
Authorities in Benue State have launched an investigation following a disturbing incident at Seat of Wisdom Secondary School, Aliade, where a female student was reportedly harassed and assaulted by her peers. The event has raised serious concerns over student safety and supervision in the state’s schools.
According to preliminary reports, the victim, a female student at the school, was subjected to inappropriate treatment by a group of classmates while on school premises. The incident came to light after other students alerted the school authorities, prompting the administration to notify local law enforcement.
The Benue State Police Command confirmed that officers have begun a formal investigation. Police spokespersons said statements are being taken from witnesses, and the identities of those involved are being verified. Officials have emphasized that the safety and well-being of all students remain a top priority.
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School management has pledged full cooperation with authorities, stating that disciplinary measures will be taken against any student found responsible, while also offering counselling services for both the victim and other students affected by the incident. Parents and community leaders have condemned the act, describing it as unacceptable and a violation of students’ rights.
Child protection experts have stressed that incidents like this highlight the urgent need for robust safety policies, awareness programs, and reporting mechanisms within schools. They recommend that schools implement regular workshops on respect, personal boundaries, and peer conflict resolution to prevent future occurrences.
The case has sparked broader discussions across Benue State about the responsibilities of school administrators, teachers, and guardians in protecting students from harassment and ensuring a safe learning environment.
Authorities have assured the public that the investigation will be thorough, and anyone found culpable will face legal consequences in accordance with Nigerian law.
Benue School Harassment: Authorities Investigate Assault on Female Student at Seat of Wisdom Aliade
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Violent Protest in Ogoja After Man Allegedly Kills Girlfriend in Cross River
Violent Protest in Ogoja After Man Allegedly Kills Girlfriend in Cross River
Tension has gripped Ogoja following the alleged killing of a 26-year-old woman, Moshie Igu, by her boyfriend, sparking a violent protest in Cross River and renewed concerns over gender-based violence in Nigeria.
According to the Nigeria Police Force, the suspect, 35-year-old Malime Ejor, allegedly carried out the attack in the early hours of Saturday, March 28, 2026, at a farm in Nwang Village, Ekajuk community.
Police spokesperson Sunday Eitokpah disclosed that preliminary findings show the suspect reportedly lured the victim to a nearby stream, where he attacked her with a machete, leading to her death.
Operatives responded swiftly after the incident was reported, arresting the suspect and rescuing him from an attempted mob action by enraged youths at the scene. He is currently in custody, while arrangements are being made to deposit the victim’s remains at the General Hospital mortuary in Ogoja. The police further confirmed that the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Calabar for a thorough and discreet investigation.
The situation escalated on Monday when hundreds of women and youths from Nwang I & II and other parts of the Ekajuk clan staged a protest, demanding the release of the suspect. The demonstrators marched to the Area Command in Ogoja, but the protest soon turned violent, with some protesters attacking officers and vandalising property, including a vehicle and parts of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) facility.
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Security operatives were forced to deploy smoke canisters to disperse the crowd, while at least eight individuals were arrested in connection with the unrest. Authorities say the situation is now under control, and in a bid to ease tensions, those arrested during the protest were later released to a community leader.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to ensuring justice, stressing that the suspect remains in custody and will face due legal process. With the case set for transfer to SCID, authorities are expected to deepen investigations and prepare for prosecution.
The incident has sparked fresh conversations around femicide, domestic violence, and the increasing cases of relationship-related killings in Nigeria. Analysts warn that attempts by communities to interfere in criminal investigations—such as demanding the release of suspects—could undermine justice and embolden perpetrators.
Residents and stakeholders have been urged to remain calm and allow the law to take its course, as calls for justice for the victim continue to grow.
Violent Protest in Ogoja After Man Allegedly Kills Girlfriend in Cross River
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Gunmen Attack Wedding in Kaduna, Kill 13, Abduct Several Guests
Gunmen Attack Wedding in Kaduna, Kill 13, Abduct Several Guests
Suspected bandits have attacked a wedding ceremony in Kahir village, located in Kagarko Local Government Area, killing at least 13 people and abducting an unspecified number of guests.
The incident occurred late Sunday night in Kaduna State when heavily armed assailants reportedly stormed the venue and opened fire on attendees gathered for the celebration.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the attackers arrived at about 11:47 p.m., shooting indiscriminately inside the wedding hall and causing widespread panic. A resident, Shehu Bala, said some guests sustained gunshot injuries during the assault.
According to reports, the gunmen operated for nearly an hour without resistance, leaving several casualties in their wake.
Injured victims were initially taken to Kagarko General Hospital, while those with critical injuries were later transferred to medical facilities in Kaduna for advanced treatment.
A community leader confirmed that 13 people lost their lives in the attack and have since been buried. He added that efforts are ongoing to ascertain the exact number of those abducted by the assailants.
The attackers were also said to have looted shops within the community, carting away food items, provisions, and drugs from a local chemist during the raid.
“The entire community was thrown into panic due to the heavy gunfire, forcing many residents to flee into nearby bushes,” the community leader said.
Police authorities in Kagarko have confirmed the incident but stated that investigations are still ongoing, particularly regarding the number of abducted victims. The spokesperson of the Kaduna State Police Command, DSP Hassan Mansur, also confirmed the attack, noting that a comprehensive report would be released upon conclusion of investigations.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, alongside a serving senator, visited injured victims receiving treatment at the hospital in Kagarko.
Gunmen Attack Wedding in Kaduna, Kill 13, Abduct Several Guests
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