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LKJ Gardens Muslim Community launches N25m mosque fund, holds Iftar for 400
LKJ Gardens Muslim Community launches N25m mosque fund, holds Iftar for 400
Lateef Kayode Jakande (LKJ) Gardens Muslim Community in Lagos has launched a N25 million appeal fund for the construction of its mosque.
The launch held at the Igando Lagos estate featured a number of activities including a special iftar (breaking of fast) for over 400 fasting Muslims where they were given special treats such as sumptuous meal, dates, drinks, yoghurt, among other edibles.
Guest lecturer at the event, Dr Jibril Salaudeen, commended the commitment of the Muslim community, noting that they had made tangible contributions to the development of Islam.
Salaudeen, who is Director of Executive Education and Consulting at Nungu Business School, said, “It is a middle-income Muslim community. Quite a number of people around here are educated, and they came out in their numbers. The response from them is very good.
“They are willing to contribute to the development of the community. We were able to bring in a total of 68 families and they came around. Most of them have made tangible contributions to the development of the ummah.”
Salaudeen also said the first school and learning centre established by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in Madinah was the mosque.
“It is a place of convergence, a place where we meet, not just to pray, but also to learn. Thus, it is a school. The first school of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was the masjid. It was also his court, a place where disputes are settled, where counselling takes place,” he said.
According to him, it is the duty of Muslims to establish and maintain the mosque in their various communities.
Chairman of the LKJ Gardens Muslim Community, Dr Mushafau Adewale Akinsanya, said the plan to build a mosque in the estate was mulled about three years ago.
“It was, however, in January 2025 that we sat down and concluded that we have to set aside a day for launching, so that people will know that this is what we want to do. We cannot do it alone; we need support from members outside of the estate,” he said.
He expressed optimism that the project would be ready before next Ramadan (2026).
“I want to appeal to our members in the estate that they should not be tired. I understand the country is a bit difficult financially now.
“But Allah has been meeting our needs. So, I’m sure Allah will meet our needs with regard to the mosque construction. Please, let’s be steadfast and committed,” he stated.
Akinsanya thanked Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for approving the request of a piece of land in the estate for the construction.
He said professionals including architects and structural engineers had been commissioned to draw up the plan for the mosque.
“The plan will be submitted to the relevant offices of the Lagos State Government to vet before we move on. We are also looking for a builder to commence the foundation once the plan has been approved by the government. This is how far we have gone,” Akinsanya said.
Imam LKJ Gardens, Mallam AbdulLateef AbdulGaniy, said contributing to the construction of the mosque is sadaqatul jariyah (perpetual charity).
“If I donate my N100, N1,000 to a masjid project, as long as the mosque is standing and they are performing salat there, I will be getting my reward, once I do it with ikhlas,” he said.
The Imam said the mosque would serve multiple functions, including as a madrasah and a platform to resolve marital and family disputes.
“We have a close community here, but it’s also a big community. We will be able to bring our children together and ensure that they are nurtured on the path of Islam,” he added.
Imam AbdulGaniy appealed to Muslims everywhere to support them in achieving the project.
“Kindly pay into Lateef Kayode Jakande Gardens Igando Muslim Jaiz Bank Acct: 0009565481,” he stated.
A resident of the estate and member of the project planning team, Dr. Abdullahi Shuaib, said the mosque would serve as a legacy for the generations to come.
Dr. Shuaib, who is Principal Partner at AS & Associates and member of the community believes the mosque project is achievable within 12 lunar months.
“When we leave this dunya, it will be there for those coming after us to enjoy, and our efforts today will also be used as good deeds for us,” he said.
“The most popular hadith of the Prophet is that if you build a house for Allah, He will build a house for you in jannah.
“That alone is enough for whoever has a concern to meet their Lord after this day. Whatever contribution we make today, even if it is a humble contribution, will go a long way when we pull the resources together to accomplish this mission.”
Another member of the Muslim community in the estate, Dr. Ruqayat Bakare, commended the initiative of the lecture and special iftar, noting it offered a platform for the faithful to bond better.
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Court Orders DIA to Produce Cleric Accused of Coup Plot by February 18
Court Orders DIA to Produce Cleric Accused of Coup Plot by February 18
A Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) to produce Sheikh Sani Abdulkadir Zaria, an Islamic cleric accused of plotting a coup against President Bola Tinubu’s government, before the court on February 18, 2026. The order follows a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed on behalf of the cleric challenging the legality of his detention.
Justice Peter Lifu emphasised that in a democratic society, all security and intelligence agencies are subordinate to civil authority, noting that every citizen is entitled to protection under Sections 36(1), (5), and (6) of the 1999 Constitution. He also reminded authorities that Nigeria’s commitments to international human rights conventions require strict adherence to lawful detention procedures.
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The suit, filed by Sheikh Zaria’s legal team led by Sunusi Musa (SAN), Abdul Aliyu (SAN), and Mohammed Sheriff, names the DIA, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and Jaiz Bank Plc as respondents. The lawyers are seeking either the cleric’s release or an explanation for his continued detention.
During Thursday’s hearing, DIA counsel I.O. Odom Esq informed the court that the cleric was being held on behalf of the Defence Headquarters, but could not provide a valid detention order. The EFCC’s counsel, M.C. Odimbaiwe Esq, supported this position. Justice Lifu adjourned the matter and set February 18 for the DIA to produce Sheikh Zaria or justify his detention, warning that failure to do so could influence the outcome of the rights enforcement case.
Family sources linked Sheikh Zaria’s detention to an ₦2 million gift sent to the cleric’s account by an adherent connected to a suspect in the broader coup allegation. Since December 11, 2025, the cleric has reportedly been held in “safe custody” without access to family or associates, prompting his lawyers to argue that his fundamental rights have been violated.
The case underscores ongoing concerns about civil liberties, human rights, and lawful detention in Nigeria, particularly in high-profile national security investigations. The court’s ruling will be closely watched as it addresses the balance between state security and individual rights.
Court Orders DIA to Produce Cleric Accused of Coup Plot by February 18
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End of Weekly Shutdown: Igboho Advocates Negotiation to Resolve Kanu’s Legal Battle
End of Weekly Shutdown: Igboho Advocates Negotiation to Resolve Kanu’s Legal Battle
Yoruba nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has called on the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to engage in constructive dialogue with the Federal Government following the formal end of the controversial Monday sit‑at‑home directive across the South‑East region.
In a statement issued on Friday by his legal counsel, Pelumi Olajengbesi, Igboho applauded Kanu for suspending the weekly protest, which had disrupted economic and social activities in the region for over five years. The directive, first introduced in August 2021, led to periodic shutdowns of markets, offices, schools, and transport services, severely affecting local businesses and daily life.
Describing the suspension as a “thoughtful and necessary” step, Igboho noted that ending the sit‑at‑home signals a shift toward constructive engagement and could help restore stability and economic normalcy in the South‑East. He said the move represents the conclusion of a five-year period of economic disruption that has hampered growth and development in the region.
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Beyond applauding the abolition of the civil disobedience measure, Igboho urged Kanu to adopt a conciliatory approach, opening channels for mediation and negotiation with the Federal Government. He emphasised that sustained dialogue could help break the deadlock surrounding Kanu’s legal battle and potentially pave the way for a political resolution to longstanding grievances.
Igboho also warned that those who profit from the destabilisation and violence in the South‑East should desist, highlighting the importance of peace for the economic recovery and prosperity of the region and the nation at large.
“This is a critical moment for the South‑East. True progress depends on dialogue, compromise, and the willingness of all parties to engage constructively,” the statement read. Igboho’s remarks reflect a growing call among activists and stakeholders for peaceful resolution and collaboration to ensure lasting stability in the region.
The end of the Monday sit‑at‑home has been welcomed by several civil society groups and business leaders, who view it as a key step toward restoring normalcy, resuming commerce, and promoting social cohesion in the South‑East.
End of Weekly Shutdown: Igboho Advocates Negotiation to Resolve Kanu’s Legal Battle
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EFCC Nabs Three in Borno Over Viral ₦500 Naira Mutilation Video
EFCC Nabs Three in Borno Over Viral ₦500 Naira Mutilation Video
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested three suspects in Maiduguri, Borno State, over alleged naira mutilation following a viral social media video showing them misusing the Nigerian currency.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the anti-graft agency disclosed that the suspects — Adam Muhammad, Muhammad Muhammad, and Bashir Musa — were apprehended by operatives of the EFCC’s Maiduguri Zonal Directorate.
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According to the commission, the trio was seen in a widely circulated video cleaning mucus from their noses using ₦500 naira notes, an act described as abuse and defacement of the national currency.
The statement said the suspects were traced and arrested within the Maiduguri metropolis shortly after the video surfaced online and triggered public reactions.
They are currently being held at the EFCC’s Maiduguri detention facility while investigations continue. The commission added that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Under the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act, abuse, defacement, spraying, or improper handling of the naira constitutes an offence punishable under Nigerian law. The EFCC has in recent months intensified its crackdown on cases involving naira abuse and currency mutilation across the country.
The latest arrest underscores the agency’s renewed enforcement drive aimed at protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s legal tender.
EFCC Nabs Three in Borno Over Viral ₦500 Naira Mutilation Video
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