MURIC Condemns Rape of 11-Year-Old Hijab Girl in Ogun, Warns Against Cover-Up

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Ogun State Chapter, has demanded full justice for an 11-year-old Muslim girl who was allegedly raped by a man identified as Mr. Michael while returning from Arabic classes in Mowe, Ogun State.

The incident, which occurred on April 21, 2026, along Peace Lane, off Emerald School Road, Homeland CDA, Mowe, has been described by the human rights group as “a catastrophic act of depravity.”

According to a statement issued on Monday by the State Chairman, Ustaadh Tajudeen Jimoh Alao, and the State Secretary, Ambassador Olaleye Rasheed Damilare, the victim was wearing her hijab when she was waylaid on a deserted street, grabbed from behind, gagged, and dragged into an uncompleted building where she was brutally raped.

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MURIC said it is deeply disturbed by reports that influential individuals have been visiting the victim’s family in an attempt to bury the case, questioning whether the family has the financial means to pursue legal redress.

“If this were your daughter, your sister, or your niece, would you be seeking just ‘dialogue’?” the statement queried. “Justice is not a commodity for sale. Defending the rapist is a crime against humanity.”

The group commended the Nigeria Police, Mowe Division, for initial investigations and the transfer of the case to the Gender-Based Violence Unit at the Police Area Command, Oke Ilewo, Abeokuta, noting that the unit is led by a female officer whose maternal instincts and professionalism are trusted.

MURIC also appealed to the Ogun State Government to establish special courts for rape and child abuse cases, arguing that the current system allows oppressors to walk free while victims live in a prison of fear.

“Every rapist is an enemy of humanity,” the statement added, urging the Muslim community and all stakeholders to remain calm but vigilant.

The organization reaffirmed its motto: “Dialogue, Not Violence,” but insisted that rape is neither a mistake nor an oversight, but a deliberate act of violence that must attract the full weight of the law.

MURIC Condemns Rape of 11-Year-Old Hijab Girl in Ogun, Warns Against Cover-Up

BREAKING: Lagos Politics Heats Up as Sanwo-Olu Endorses Deputy Governor Hamzat ( VIDEO)

Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has officially endorsed his Deputy Governor, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat

BNXN X SARZ | Khvicha Kvaratskhelia | Victor Osimhen | #BurgerKingSmallChopzzz | Friction | Best International Act | Nathan Ake | Shehu Sani pic.twitter.com/A4bRwBXauM

— Newstrends.Ng (@Newstrends_ng) April 27, 2026

The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has officially endorsed his Deputy Governor, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, as his preferred successor ahead of the 2027 governorship election in the state.

The endorsement was made on Monday at the Lagos House, Marina, during a meeting that brought together key political stakeholders and members of the state executive council.

The development signals an early alignment within Lagos political leadership as preparations gradually build toward the 2027 general elections, particularly within the ruling party structure in the state.

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Although full details of the meeting were not immediately disclosed, sources indicate that the governor’s endorsement reflects continuity in governance and ongoing confidence in his deputy’s role in the current administration.

In recent weeks, Hamzat has reportedly been engaging in consultative visits with political leaders, party stakeholders, and community representatives across Lagos State, strengthening his visibility within the state’s political landscape ahead of the next election cycle.

Political analysts say the endorsement could significantly shape internal party dynamics, given Lagos State’s history of structured succession planning and strong influence within national politics.

Observers also note that such early positioning often plays a key role in consolidating support within party ranks, particularly in a politically strategic state like Lagos.

The ruling party has yet to issue a formal statewide statement detailing the broader implications of the endorsement, but political discussions around the 2027 governorship race have already begun gaining momentum.

Further developments are expected as political consultations continue across various levels of government and party structures in the state.

Sanwo-Olu Endorses Deputy Hamzat for 2027 Lagos Governorship Race at Lagos House

BNXN X SARZ | Khvicha Kvaratskhelia | Victor Osimhen | #BurgerKingSmallChopzzz | Friction | Best International Act | Nathan Ake | Shehu Sani pic.twitter.com/FCv8SZqqTn

— Newstrends.Ng (@Newstrends_ng) April 27, 2026

BREAKING: Lagos Politics Heats Up as Sanwo-Olu Endorses Deputy Governor Hamzat ( VIDEO)

Sowore Confronts Malami in Abuja Court, Says ‘We Warned You Under Buhari, Now System Is Dealing With You’

A dramatic moment unfolded on Monday at the Federal High Court of Nigeria in Abuja when former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, confronted former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, during ongoing proceedings involving multiple legal disputes.

The encounter, captured in a viral video circulating on social media, showed Sowore directly addressing Malami inside the court premises, linking his current legal challenges to actions taken during his tenure under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Malami is currently facing charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS), including allegations of money laundering, unlawful possession of firearms, and alleged unlawful acquisition of assets. He is also challenging interim forfeiture orders placed on some of his properties.

During the encounter, Sowore told the former minister:
“You see how it feels now to be persecuted. When you were with Buhari, you were bragging. We warned you then that there was failure in the justice system, but you didn’t listen, and now the system is dealing with you.”

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The exchange drew the attention of lawyers, court officials, and observers present in the courtroom, with some reportedly reacting with subdued laughter as the tense but brief interaction unfolded.

Sowore also attempted to further engage Malami politically, offering him a symbolic orange beret associated with his “Revolution Now” movement, which calls for systemic political and governance reforms in Nigeria.

“I want to give you my cap. This is a revolutionary cap,” he said.

Despite the confrontation, Sowore acknowledged Malami’s composure during the moment, while reiterating his broader criticism of Nigeria’s political and justice system.

“At least I’m glad that you are strong. We are not all on the same side. Even the oppressors are oppressing you now… no matter how powerful you people are, we will never support you,” he added.

In response, Malami maintained a calm posture and reaffirmed his confidence in the judicial process, stating that he remains committed to attending court proceedings and defending himself against the allegations.

“I can never be down. I have been attending all my court sittings. I will keep attending. And I remain strong,” he said.

The incident has since triggered widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians debating both the propriety of the courtroom exchange and the broader political tensions surrounding Malami’s ongoing legal battles.

Observers say the episode highlights the increasingly public intersection between courtroom proceedings, political activism, and social media-driven political commentary in Nigeria.

Sowore Confronts Malami in Abuja Court, Says ‘We Warned You Under Buhari, Now System Is Dealing With You’