MURIC Raises Alarm Over Maiduguri Blasts, Urges Defence Minister to Act

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has expressed deep concern over the recent wave of explosions in Maiduguri, describing the attacks as disturbing and calling on the Federal Government to strengthen security efforts.

In a press statement issued on Tuesday, the group’s Executive Director, Ishaq Akintola, said three coordinated explosions that occurred on Monday left at least 23 people dead and more than 100 others injured.

According to the statement, the explosions took place almost simultaneously at the entrance of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and two major markets—Post Office Market and Monday Market—causing widespread panic and casualties.

MURIC described the scale and coordination of the attacks as “highly challenging,” noting what it called inconsistent performance by security agencies in Borno State.

“This is quite worrisome. The toll is too high and the level of coordination highly challenging,” the statement read, adding that Nigerians, particularly in the North East and North West, continue to face severe security threats.

The group also expressed concern over what it described as the disproportionate impact of the violence on Muslim communities in the region, warning that urgent action is needed to stem the tide of killings and abductions.

MURIC further urged the Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa, to fulfil his pledge to safeguard lives and property across the country.

“Life has become very cheap under his watch. Nigerians are not safe,” the statement said, stressing that the rising death toll and persistent insecurity require decisive and immediate intervention.

The organisation also referenced the recent foreign engagement of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, suggesting that the timing of the attacks may have been intended to draw attention to the country’s security challenges.

MURIC concluded by calling for urgent and sustained action from the government, insisting that Nigerians deserve to live without fear and insecurity.

“Our hearts bleed. Enough is enough,” the statement added.

MURIC Raises Alarm Over Maiduguri Blasts, Urges Defence Minister to Act

Fani-Kayode Slams Dele Momodu for Comparing Tinubu to Abacha

Lagos – Former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode has fired back at media entrepreneur and politician Dele Momodu after the latter compared President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to former military ruler Sani Abacha during a televised interview over the weekend.

Momodu had reportedly criticised the Tinubu administration, describing the president’s leadership style as “dictatorial”, prompting a strong rebuke from Fani-Kayode, who described the comparison as “unfair, disrespectful, and misleading”.

Fani-Kayode took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his disapproval, saying Momodu’s remarks were not only offensive to President Tinubu, but also to the Vice President, federal ministers, senators, and newly appointed ambassadors, many of whom he said possess substantial governance experience. He wrote:

“I love Dele and God knows I have immense respect for him, but he sounded drained, tired, and broken and spoke little sense yesterday in his interview.”

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He urged Momodu to take a break from politics and political commentary to “overhaul his intellectual engine” and avoid spreading negative narratives about Nigeria’s democratically elected leaders.

Fani-Kayode stressed that President Tinubu operates within a democratic framework, unlike Abacha, whose military regime was marked by authoritarian rule. He emphasized that comparing a democratically elected president to a military dictator undermines the principles of constitutional governance and misrepresents Tinubu’s administration.

He also criticised the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the party to which Momodu belongs, advising its members to focus on strengthening the party and building a credible opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections, rather than obsessing over attacks against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“The ADC cannot even be described as a sinking ship but rather as a badly patched up inflatable plastic life boat… How can such an ill-prepared contraption even float, let alone do battle?” Fani-Kayode wrote, highlighting the party’s lack of organization, leadership, and political influence.

In his rebuttal, Fani-Kayode also used religious and symbolic language to emphasise his points, urging Momodu to abandon negative political commentary. He concluded by asserting that President Tinubu had started well, is performing competently, and will “end well” with no regrets by 2031.

The response has sparked widespread debate on social media, with some defending Momodu’s freedom of expression as a commentator, while others agree with Fani-Kayode’s assessment that comparing Nigeria’s democratically elected president to a former military dictator is misleading and inflammatory. Political analysts say the exchange underscores growing tensions in Nigerian political discourse, particularly between ruling and opposition party figures.

Fani-Kayode Slams Dele Momodu for Comparing Tinubu to Abacha

Zakatul Fitr: Rules, Amount, Timing and Distribution Before Eid al-Fitr

As the holy month of Ramadan approaches its end, Islamic scholars and clerics have reminded Muslims of the importance of fulfilling Zakatul Fitr, a compulsory charity that completes the fasting period and prepares believers for the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.

The annual obligation, which is closely tied to the Ramadan fast, must be given before the Eid prayer to ensure that the less privileged are not excluded from the festivities.

Clerics Highlight Obligation on Every Muslim

Islamic teachings stipulate that Zakatul Fitr is obligatory on every Muslim, regardless of age or gender, provided they possess surplus food beyond their immediate needs.

According to a hadith narrated by Abdullah ibn Umar, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) prescribed Zakatul Fitr as a duty on all Muslims—male and female, young and old—underscoring its universal nature.

Religious leaders explain that heads of households are responsible for paying the charity on behalf of their dependents, including spouses and children, reinforcing collective responsibility within families.

Approved Measure Put at 2.5 to 3 Kilograms of Food

On the measure of Zakatul Fitr, scholars maintain that it should be given as one ṣāʿ of staple food, estimated at approximately 2.5 to 3 kilograms.

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Commonly accepted food items include rice, maize, beans, wheat, millet, and dates—depending on what is widely consumed in a given locality.

While the traditional practice emphasizes giving food, some Islamic scholars allow the monetary equivalent of Zakatul Fitr where it is deemed more beneficial to recipients.

Focus on the Poor and Needy

Clerics stress that the distribution of Zakatul Fitr should prioritize the poor and needy within society.

Described in prophetic traditions as “food for the poor,” the charity is intended to ensure that no Muslim goes hungry on Eid day.

Experts advise that Zakatul Fitr should preferably be distributed within local communities to directly impact vulnerable households and strengthen social bonds.

Deadline Before Eid Prayer Emphasised

The timing of Zakatul Fitr before Eid prayer has also been highlighted as critical to its acceptance.

Islamic guidance permits payment one or two days before Eid, but strongly recommends giving it on the morning of Eid before the prayer.

Scholars warn that any payment made after the Eid prayer will only count as ordinary charity and not as Zakatul Fitr.

Spiritual and Social Significance

Beyond its material value, Zakatul Fitr in Islam serves as a means of purifying the fast from minor shortcomings and promoting compassion within society.

Clerics note that the charity ensures inclusiveness during Eid celebrations while reinforcing the values of generosity, unity, and social justice.

Call for Compliance

With Eid al-Fitr fast approaching, Muslims are being urged to calculate and distribute their Zakatul Fitr early to avoid last-minute delays.

Religious leaders emphasize that fulfilling the obligation correctly—in measure, distribution, and timing—remains essential to completing the spiritual journey of Ramadan.

Zakatul Fitr: Rules, Amount, Timing and Distribution Before Eid al-Fitr