MURIC Briefs Public on Latest Development in UI–ISI Hijab Appeal

The Oyo State chapter of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has updated the public on the latest development in the ongoing appeal over the controversial hijab dispute involving the University of Ibadan and the International School Ibadan.

In a statement issued on Friday, the organisation said proceedings took place at the Court of Appeal on March 6, 2026, where the appellants — the University of Ibadan, International School Ibadan and three other parties — moved an application seeking an extension of time to compile and transmit the record of appeal in the case.

According to MURIC, the application, which was dated and filed on November 11, 2024, requested the court to grant an enlargement of time for the appellants to complete the process and also asked that the already compiled record be deemed as properly compiled and transmitted.

The court, after listening to submissions from counsel, granted the application as requested.

Following the ruling, the appellate court issued directives for the filing of briefs by the parties involved in the case.

The appellants were ordered to file their brief of argument within seven days, while the respondents are expected to file their brief within fourteen days after being served with the appellants’ brief. The appellants were also given an additional seven days to file a reply brief, if necessary, after receiving the respondents’ brief.

The court subsequently adjourned the matter to April 29, 2026, for the hearing of the appeal.

MURIC further disclosed that eleven other related appeals connected to the hijab controversy had earlier been adjourned to the same date, meaning all the cases are expected to be heard together.

The legal team representing MURIC in the matter is led by Barrister Yusuf Anikulapo, who was present in court during the proceedings.

Reiterating its position, the organisation stated that it remains committed to pursuing justice and defending what it described as the fundamental rights of Muslim students to practice their religion freely, including the right to wear the hijab in schools.

MURIC therefore urged members of the Muslim community and the public to remain calm, prayerful and supportive as the legal process continues.

The statement was signed by Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, General Secretary of MURIC, Oyo State Chapter.

MURIC Briefs Public on Latest Development in UI–ISI Hijab Appeal

Power Generation Drops Below 4,000MW, Worsening Electricity Supply Across Nigeria

Electricity supply across Nigeria has worsened following a significant drop in power generation on the national grid, raising concerns among consumers and industry stakeholders over the stability of the country’s power sector.

Data from the Transmission Company of Nigeria indicates that generation recently fell to below 4,000 megawatts (MW), largely due to disruptions in gas supply to several thermal power plants that depend on gas to operate.

The development has resulted in reduced electricity allocation to distribution companies (DisCos), leading to extended outages and unstable power supply in many parts of the country.

Officials in the power sector explained that most of Nigeria’s power plants are gas-fired, making the system highly vulnerable to fluctuations in gas availability. When supply is interrupted, generation capacity drops sharply, placing pressure on the national grid.

Industry observers say the situation may lead to wider blackouts if urgent measures are not taken to stabilise fuel supply to generating stations.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria, which manages the national grid, has not announced a system-wide collapse but acknowledged ongoing operational challenges affecting power distribution.

Nigeria’s electricity grid has suffered repeated disruptions in recent years. Experts note that aging infrastructure, inadequate gas supply, and limited investment in generation and transmission capacity remain key factors contributing to persistent power shortages.

Consumers across several states have reported prolonged outages since the drop in generation, with businesses warning that unreliable electricity continues to increase the cost of operations as many rely on alternative power sources such as generators.

Energy analysts have called on the federal government and stakeholders in the power sector to accelerate reforms, improve gas supply security, and invest in renewable and alternative energy sources to reduce the country’s dependence on gas-powered plants.

Nigeria currently has an installed generation capacity of over 12,000MW, but actual output delivered to the grid typically ranges between 3,000MW and 5,000MW due to operational constraints.

Power Generation Drops Below 4,000MW, Worsening Electricity Supply Across Nigeria

Kidnapped Ex‑Deputy Governor’s Father Found Dead as Police Nab Nine Suspects

The Ebonyi State Police Command has confirmed that Ezeogo Francis Igwe, traditional ruler of Ndufu‑Alike community in Ikwo Local Government Area and father of former deputy governor Dr. Eric Kelechi Igwe, was killed by his abductors a day after being kidnapped on his way to church. The tragic development was disclosed in a statement by the state police public relations officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, in Abakaliki, the state capital.

The monarch was abducted on Sunday, March 1, 2026, by armed men riding motorcycles. Immediately following the incident, the Ebonyi State Government under Governor Francis Nwifuru directed security agencies to launch a coordinated rescue operation and ensure that the perpetrators were brought to justice. The governor described the abduction as “deeply troubling and totally unacceptable,” urging residents to assist authorities with credible information.

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Police said the operation involved intensive intelligence-driven surveillance and technical assets. During the initial investigation, officers arrested two primary suspects who admitted to being part of the kidnapping syndicate and confirmed that Igwe had been killed on March 2, 2026. These suspects also guided police to the gang’s hideout.

Upon reaching the location, other gang members opened fire on the security operatives, prompting a gunfight. One of the criminals was neutralised, while the rest fled. Police subsequently arrested seven additional suspects, bringing the total to nine in custody, and recovered a locally made pistol linked to the crime.

The remains of the late monarch were recovered and deposited at a morgue for autopsy. Police confirmed that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining fleeing suspects, and those in custody will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

The killing has left the Ndufu‑Alike community in mourning, with residents expressing shock and grief over the loss of a revered traditional ruler and father of a prominent political figure. Security agencies have vowed to continue tackling kidnapping and violent crime in the state.

Kidnapped Ex‑Deputy Governor’s Father Found Dead as Police Nab Nine Suspects