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MSSN calls for prosecution of teachers, others harassing hijab-wearing students

Published

3 years ago

February 1, 2023

The Muslim Students Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Area Unit, has recommended heavy sanctions including prosecution of school administrators harassing students wearing hijab.

It also urged all its female members to be courageous to wear the hijab to schools despite the harassment and victimisation by some schools.

The Amirah (female president) for the unit, Azeezah Gidigbih, made the call in her 2023 World Hijab Day address, adding that government should sack and prosecute any defaulting teacher or principal.

The World Hijab Day is marked globally on February 1st to celebrate women wearing hijab and discourage discrimination.

Gidigbih said the theme of this year’s WHD, ‘Progression not Oppression’, reflected the situation of hijab-wearing students in Nigeria.

“Just like yesterday, we jubilated when the Supreme Court after a legal tussle of about 10 years granted us victory over the use of hijab in schools.

“Indeed, we are making progress. Our efforts are yielding positive results and we won’t rest until we achieve 100% compliance on the use of hijab by our members,” she added.

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While threatening to sue anyone found harassing students and denying them their rights to use the hijab in schools, Gidigbih challenged the Lagos State Government to publicly sanction any erring principal or teacher.

Gidigbih, who appreciated the Lagos State Government for issuing a circular to permit hijab in public schools, lamented the continuous harassment of its members in hijab after the Supreme Court judgment and the state government’s circular last year.

She said, “It is no longer news that in June 2022, the Supreme Court approved for students to use the hijab in all schools. This move has however not deterred some overzealous school administrators who still throw caution to the wind and harass students without regard for the constitution and directives from their employers.

“We recommend that they should be demoted, sacked, prosecuted and jailed instead of just being transferred as witnessed in recent cases. These disobedient elements don’t deserve to be in our education system in Lagos State.

“While we are not against students conforming to school rules and regulations on dress code, we will not allow the effect of the Supreme Court judgment to be watered down and rendered worthless.”

She also hailed the recent appointment of a hijabi Dr Shareefah Adejoke Yusuf as the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Education District VI by the Lagos State Government.

“Just like every other year, the issues are the same. Muslimahs have shown over time that a whole lot can be achieved with the hijab and like others, we should be allowed to show our capabilities.

“Worthy of note is the recent appointment of a hijabi Dr Shareefah Adejoke Yusuf as the Tutor-General/ Permanent Secretary, Education District VI by the Lagos State government. This is an affirmation that the hijab is not a limiting factor to the success of any individual. We commend the Lagos State for this move and we are certain of more success in the nearest future with more innovation and achievements by other hijabis,” she stated.

On the theme of this year’s World Hijab Day, the MSSNLagos female head commended its members who have weathered the storm at various levels and become successful in their chosen career paths.

She also thanked Muslim lawyers, teachers, rights groups, imams, and others who defended the rights of Muslim students under the leadership of Amir Miftahudeen Thanni.

Gidigbih, however, urged all stakeholders to encourage students and workers who had chosen to use the hijab and give them equal opportunities to learn and grow to further build the society.

Related Topics:defaulters Featured hijab MSSN Lagos

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Court Orders Accelerated Hearing of Suit Challenging 2025 Tax Acts, Declines Injunction

Published

2 hours ago

December 30, 2025

Trends Admin

Court Orders Accelerated Hearing of Suit Challenging 2025 Tax Acts, Declines Injunction

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, on Monday ordered an accelerated hearing of a suit challenging the 2025 tax acts, but declined to grant an interim injunction restraining their implementation.

The suit was filed by the Incorporated Trustees of African Initiative for Abuse Public Trustees against the Federal Republic of Nigeria and other key government officials, citing alleged discrepancies in the newly enacted tax laws and their proposed implementation date of January 1, 2026.

The respondents in the suit include the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the National Assembly.

In a motion ex parte, the plaintiff sought an interim injunction to restrain the Federal Government from implementing the tax laws pending the determination of the substantive suit. The applicant also requested an abridgment of time for the defendants to file their responses, approval for substituted service, and an order for accelerated hearing.

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Ruling on the application, Justice Bello Kawu, sitting as a vacation judge, granted the request for accelerated hearing and approved substituted service on the defendants.

The court ordered that the first and second defendants be served through the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation at the Federal Ministry of Justice, Abuja, while the fourth, fifth and sixth defendants are to be served via the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly, Three Arms Zone, Abuja.

However, the court declined to grant the interim injunction sought by the plaintiff, refusing to restrain the Federal Government and its agencies from proceeding with the implementation of the 2025 tax laws at this stage.

Justice Kawu directed that all defendants be put on notice and adjourned the matter to Wednesday, December 31, for the hearing of the motion on notice.

Court Orders Accelerated Hearing of Suit Challenging 2025 Tax Acts, Declines Injunction

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Amotekun Arrests 39 Suspected Terrorists Fleeing Sokoto After US Airstrikes

Published

2 hours ago

December 30, 2025

Trends Admin

Paraded suspected criminals

Amotekun Arrests 39 Suspected Terrorists Fleeing Sokoto After US Airstrikes

The Ondo State security outfit, Amotekun, has arrested 39 suspected terrorists who reportedly fled Sokoto State following the Christmas Day airstrikes conducted by the United States military in Nigeria’s North-West.

Speaking during the parade of 100 suspects across the state, Amotekun Commander Chief Adetunji Adeleye said the 39 suspects claimed to have relocated to the forests of Ondo State after fleeing the northern part of the country.

“A couple of days ago, 39 suspects were arrested, all claiming that as a result of the heat turned on them in the northern part of the country, they relocated into the forest,” Adeleye said. “We are still profiling them, and after profiling, those found with incriminating equipment and materials will be prosecuted.”

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The commander emphasized that anyone residing in Ondo State forest areas must obtain official permits, warning that the sudden influx of such elements raises serious security concerns.

Adeleye further revealed that synergy with neighboring state security outfits, including Ekiti, Osun, and Ogun, has led to significant arrests. Some suspects are still under investigation and were not paraded.

Regarding other suspects, Adeleye disclosed that of the 100 arrested, 61 were paraded:

50 for general law and order violations
2 for anti-open grazing offences
6 for kidnapping-related cases
3 for gender-based abuse and rape

The suspects ranged in age from 18 to 45 years. On the rape cases, Adeleye identified three suspects: 19-year-old Daniel Ojo, 33-year-old Usman, and 41-year-old Bejide, arrested in the Isinkan area of Akure, the state capital.

He commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for providing an enabling environment for security operations and thanked all state security agencies, including the police, civil defense, army, DSS, and local vigilantes, as well as the public, for their support.

Amotekun Arrests 39 Suspected Terrorists Fleeing Sokoto After US Airstrikes

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Malami, Son, Wife Remanded Over ₦Billions Money Laundering Charges

Published

2 hours ago

December 30, 2025

Trends Admin

Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN)

Malami, Son, Wife Remanded Over ₦Billions Money Laundering Charges

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), at the Kuje Correctional Centre, pending the hearing of his bail application.

The order also applies to Malami’s co-defendants — his son, Abubakar Malami, and one of his wives, Bashir Asabe. The directive came from Justice Emeka Nwite after hearing arguments from the defense led by Joseph Daudu (SAN) and the prosecution team of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), represented by Ekele Iheneacho (SAN).

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Malami and his co-defendants are facing a 16-count money laundering charge. According to the EFCC, the defendants allegedly conspired to conceal, retain, and disguise the proceeds of unlawful activities totaling several billions of naira.

The charges reportedly span several years and include the use of companies and bank accounts to launder funds, the retention of cash as collateral for loans, and the acquisition of high-value properties in Abuja, Kano, and other locations. Some of the offences allegedly occurred while Malami served as Attorney-General, in violation of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 (as amended) and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.

The defendants pleaded not guilty. While the defense urged the court to grant bail on liberal terms, the prosecution opposed it, citing the seriousness of the charges and the magnitude of the alleged financial crimes.

Legal observers describe the case as a high-profile anti-corruption trial in Nigeria, marking one of the most significant prosecutions involving a former chief law officer of the federation. The matter has been adjourned for the hearing and determination of the bail applications.