Enugu Islamic Centre Crisis: Muslim Leaders Clear Air on Ani Arrest

Muslim leaders in Enugu have strongly denied allegations linking them to the arrest of Alhaji Musa Ani, insisting that the claims circulating on social media are false, misleading, and capable of causing unnecessary tension within the community.

The clarification follows reports suggesting that Muslim leaders orchestrated Ani’s arrest. However, community leaders maintained that the arrest was carried out by security agencies after formal petitions were submitted over alleged mismanagement of the Enugu Islamic Centre.

Speaking to journalists, the Chairman of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah in Enugu State, Hon. Alhaji Ibrahim Ezeani, explained that Ani’s arrest was the outcome of lawful investigations triggered by complaints from members of the Muslim community.

He said Ani was invited by relevant authorities and later arrested after failing to provide satisfactory explanations regarding his long-term stewardship of the Islamic Centre, which he said has lasted for more than 30 years.

Ezeani added that the Department of State Services (DSS) had earlier intervened in the dispute and established terms of reference, including a full audit of the centre’s financial records and governance structure.

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The leaders also addressed the long-standing dispute over the Enugu Islamic Centre, noting that it was established in 1958 to serve all Muslims in the former Eastern Region and was never intended for any single ethnic or sectional group.

Ezeani lamented that the facility, which once served as a hub for education and worship, has deteriorated over the years. He said it is now largely occupied by commercial activities and artisans, with concerns raised about the proper accounting of revenues generated from the centre.

Other Muslim leaders in the state echoed similar concerns, stressing that the Islamic Centre belongs to all Muslims regardless of ethnic background and calling for urgent reforms to restore its original purpose.

President of the Yoruba Muslim Community in Enugu, Alfa Abdul Adeyemi, said the centre was established through collective contributions to promote both Islamic and Western education, and urged transparency in its management.

A leader of the Arewa Muslim community, Alhaji Muhammad Bello, also dismissed claims of exclusive ownership, attributing the centre’s decline to years of poor administration and lack of accountability.

Chairman of the steering committee set up following DSS intervention, Alhaji Kassim Ofordile Idoko, said a new management structure has been introduced with the mandate to restore order and revive the institution.

Chief Imam of Nsukka Central Mosque, Yakubu Abdullahi Omeh, called for government intervention to maintain peace within the Muslim community, warning that unresolved disputes could deepen divisions.

He traced the ownership disagreement back to 1993 and referenced a government white paper affirming that the land belongs to the entire Muslim community in Enugu State, not any particular group.

The leaders collectively urged all stakeholders to respect existing rulings and work together to reposition the Islamic Centre for religious, educational, and community development purposes.

Enugu Islamic Centre Crisis: Muslim Leaders Clear Air on Ani Arrest

INEC Resumes Final Phase of Continuous Voter Registration May 11

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the resumption of the final phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, scheduled to begin on May 11, 2026, as preparations intensify for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, the commission confirmed that the nationwide exercise will run until July 10, 2026, giving eligible Nigerians a final window to register and update their voter information.

INEC explained that the earlier suspension of the CVR on April 17 was necessary to allow for the cleanup of the voter register after its publication for claims and objections. This process, according to the commission, is aimed at removing duplicate entries, correcting errors, and improving the overall credibility of the database.

The commission has urged all Nigerians who have attained the age of 18, as well as those who missed previous registration phases, to take advantage of this final voter registration window. It also encouraged already registered voters to carry out necessary updates, including transfer of registration, replacement of lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and correction of biodata.

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INEC advised that while online pre-registration remains available, applicants must visit designated registration centres for biometric capture to complete the process. The commission added that its offices across states and local government areas nationwide will remain open to accommodate applicants throughout the exercise.

To further ensure transparency, INEC disclosed that the updated voters’ register will be displayed from July 23 to July 29, 2026, in line with statutory requirements. During this period, citizens will have the opportunity to scrutinise the register, raise objections, and report any discrepancies.

The electoral body also revealed that it has expanded registration centres in densely populated and underserved areas while upgrading its digital infrastructure to enhance efficiency and reduce delays during the exercise.

INEC assured Nigerians that all necessary logistics and personnel arrangements have been put in place to ensure a smooth process nationwide. It emphasised that a credible and accurate voter register remains critical to delivering free, fair, and transparent elections.

The commission called on all eligible citizens to participate actively in the exercise, noting that voter registration is a fundamental step in strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process.

INEC Resumes Final Phase of Continuous Voter Registration May 11

Cleric Says ₦10m Was for Prayers, Not Coup Plot Against Tinubu

An Islamic cleric, Sheikh Bukar Kashim Goni, has told a Federal High Court in Abuja that the ₦10 million traced to his account was payment for spiritual services and prayers, not funding for an alleged coup plot against the government of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Sheikh Goni is currently standing trial alongside several co-defendants over allegations of involvement in a failed plan to overthrow the federal government. The charges were filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.

The cleric firmly denied any participation in a coup plot in Nigeria, insisting that his role was strictly religious and focused on prayers, spiritual counselling, and charitable assistance. He maintained that the ₦10 million transaction credited to him was part of payments for religious consultations and had no political or security implications.

During Tuesday’s proceedings, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik presided over the presentation of video evidence showing Sheikh Goni’s interrogation by security operatives. In the recordings, investigators confronted him with financial documents allegedly linking him to multiple transfers from a military officer identified as Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji. One highlighted transaction was a ₦10 million payment made in October 2024.

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Security officials argued that the financial pattern suggested sustained contact between the cleric and the officer, with payments reportedly beginning as early as March 2023. Investigators also referenced coded phrases such as “access” and “work tools” found in recorded conversations, which they claim may indicate coordination of illicit activities. However, Sheikh Goni rejected the interpretation, insisting the discussions were spiritual in nature and related only to prayers and personal guidance.

The case also involves other high-profile defendants, including retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana and retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, among others accused of participating in the alleged conspiracy to destabilise the government. All defendants have denied the allegations.

Sheikh Goni told the court he previously fled insurgency-related violence in Maiduguri before relocating to the Karu area of Abuja. He insisted he has never engaged in political or military activities and has no involvement in any unlawful operations. He reaffirmed that his interactions with the military officer were strictly limited to Islamic prayers and spiritual support services.

The Federal High Court continues to examine financial records, digital communications, and witness testimonies as prosecutors attempt to establish links between the defendants and the alleged coup attempt. The defendants, however, maintain their innocence, arguing that the evidence being presented is being misinterpreted.

Cleric Says ₦10m Was for Prayers, Not Coup Plot Against Tinubu