MURIC Rejects Alleged Shari’ah Demand by Oyo Kidnappers, Labels It ‘Lie from Pit of Jahannam’

• Accuses Christian Leaders, Hot Gospellers of Plot to Tarnish Islam’s Image

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has vehemently rejected reports that kidnappers of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State demanded the implementation of Shari’ah as part of conditions for releasing their victims, describing the alleged demand as “a lie from the pit of Jahannam.”

In a strongly worded press release issued on Monday, the Islamic human rights organisation accused “enemies of Islam” within the negotiation team of fabricating the demand to tarnish the image of the Muslim faith.

The kidnappers had reportedly demanded the implementation of Shari’ah in the South-West alongside other conditions for the release of the abducted victims. But MURIC, in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, dismissed the claim as a smokescreen.

“We reject this report. It is a smokescreen. That so-called demand for Shari’ah was inserted by Muslim-haters among the negotiators and the so-called demand was calculated to tarnish the image of Islam,” the statement read in part.

Professor Akintola went further to allege the involvement of Governor Seyi Makinde and his agents in what he described as “this devilish attempt to robe Shari’ah in criminal apparels.” He recalled that the governor had once sworn that Shari’ah would never find a place in Oyo State, adding that it was “not impossible, therefore, that the demand was fabricated in Agodi Government House.”

“It is a satanic blackmail designed to silence Yoruba Muslims who have been demanding Shari’ah,” the group added.

While vehemently disowning the alleged kidnappers’ demand, MURIC nonetheless seized the opportunity to restate its long-standing position that the struggle for the establishment of Shari’ah Courts in the South-West is “a legitimate, constitutional, and peaceful demand of Muslims in the region.”

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The organisation argued that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees the right of Muslims to seek access to Shari’ah Courts, just as adherents of other faiths enjoy institutions that cater to their religious needs.

“The refusal to allow Yoruba Muslims to practice Shari’ah is a denial of religious freedom, a deprivation of access to the judicial system and the creation of a barrier to justice,” the statement said.

However, MURIC unequivocally condemned the kidnapping of innocent schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, describing the act as “barbaric, criminal, and totally inconsistent with the teachings of Islam.”

The group insisted that those responsible for the heinous crime “cannot and will never be the mouthpiece of Yoruba Muslims,” adding that they are “bloodthirsty criminals who have no locus standi to demand Shari’ah on behalf of patriotic and law-abiding Yoruba Muslims.”

Professor Akintola further argued that bandits and kidnappers do not practice Islam, citing testimonies of former captives and discoveries by security operatives. He noted that a Nigerian who spent eleven days in captivity reported that the kidnappers did not observe the Muslim prayer (Salat) even once.

“Security agents who raided bandits’ and kidnappers’ camps have also confirmed that what they found in their camps belie the claim that they represent Muslims or the religion of Islam. Condoms were scattered all over the floor. They found abandoned bottles of alcohol and various types of hot drinks,” the statement added.

“How can such a group demand Shari’ah?” the group queried, insisting that the demand was a smokescreen concocted by those determined to permanently bury the agitation for Shari’ah.

MURIC concluded by warning Nigerians not to be deceived, describing the alleged demand as a “satanic plot” that has failed woefully.

“Stop selling dummies to Nigerians,” the group declared.

As of press time, the Oyo State Government had not officially responded to MURIC’s allegations of involvement in fabricating the Shari’ah demand. Efforts to reach the state’s Commissioner for Information were unsuccessful.

The abduction of schoolchildren and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State occurred on May 15, 2026. The victims include over 40 pupils and seven teachers from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community High School, Ahoro-Esienle; and L.A. Primary School. During the attacks, gunmen reportedly killed one teacher and later beheaded another teacher while in captivity.

Governor Seyi Makinde has repeatedly assured residents that the government is working “round the clock” to secure the release of the victims, revealing that federal security personnel have been actively involved in the rescue mission for weeks.

MURIC Rejects Alleged Shari’ah Demand by Oyo Kidnappers, Labels It ‘Lie from Pit of Jahannam’

Akpabio Vows to Unmask Government Officials Sponsoring Terrorism

Abuja, Nigeria – The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has declared that individuals sponsoring terrorism and violent crimes in Nigeria will eventually be exposed, regardless of their status or position in society – including if they are within the government.

The Senate President made the declaration on Sunday during an Inter-Denominational Church Service held at the National Christian Centre in Abuja as part of activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration. The service, themed “God of Hope, Actualise Our Dreams,” brought together senior government officials, church leaders, and worshippers to reflect on Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance.

Akpabio, who reflected on Nigeria’s security challenges, urged citizens not to lose hope despite the wave of kidnappings, killings, and insurgent attacks across different parts of the country. He stressed that prayers and national unity remain important in the fight against insecurity.

Drawing from his experience as a former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Akpabio revealed that he introduced a monthly prayer programme nearly two decades ago to confront rising cases of militancy, kidnapping, and violent crimes in the state. He recalled that he often asked himself how much worse the situation could have been without sustained prayers.

“When I had the opportunity to serve as governor about 19 years ago, I started monthly prayer. I used to ask myself a question whenever there was militancy, kidnapping and killing. I would say, what if we were not praying?” Akpabio said.

Drawing parallels with the nation’s present security situation, the Senate President called on Nigerians to continue praying for the country and for those behind acts of violence to be exposed.

“Today I want you to ask the same question, the things happening around us, what if we were not praying. We must continue praying so that the evil doers and their sponsors shall be exposed in Jesus Name,” he stated.

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In a direct and uncompromising declaration, Akpabio vowed that no sponsor of terrorism would be spared, regardless of their political connections or official position.

“If they are in government, they shall be exposed. If they are outside government, they shall be exposed in Jesus Name. Those sponsoring it, whether it is politically motivated or not, may they never have peace until they are defeated,” the Senate President declared.

The Senate President acknowledged the pain caused by insecurity across the country, particularly kidnappings and violent attacks, while calling for national resilience. He admitted that insecurity remains one of the country’s biggest concerns, noting that many communities have suffered attacks while farmers and travellers continue to live in fear. He, however, expressed confidence that Nigeria would overcome the current challenges just as it survived previous periods of political instability, economic hardship, and health emergencies.

Akpabio also spoke emotionally about the suffering of families whose loved ones have been abducted, saying the pain of not knowing the fate of a child or relative is one of the greatest tragedies any family can face. The former Akwa Ibom governor recalled his own experience during the Nigerian civil war and said the ordeal of children held in captivity across the country should trouble the conscience of every Nigerian. He assured citizens that the current security crisis would not last forever, expressing optimism that the nation would witness a more peaceful future. Akpabio further maintained that the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains committed to restoring security and ensuring that victims of abduction regain their freedom.

In a broader reflection on Nigeria’s democratic journey, Akpabio attributed the country’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance to divine providence, prayer, and the resilience of its people. He declared that Nigeria’s return to democracy was “providence,” recalling how the Nigeria Prays Movement, led by General Yakubu Gowon, preceded the end of military rule.

“There was a time when uncertainty clouded our future, and hope seemed distant. While politics has its place, some battles require prayer. Three years later, democracy returned. Some call it a coincidence. We know it was providence,” he stated.

The Senate President paid tribute to the Church in Nigeria for its contributions to the nation’s democratic development, describing it as a moral force that stood firmly in defence of justice and democratic governance.

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“I pay tribute to the Church in Nigeria for standing in the gap then and for continuing to do so today. In that critical hour, the Church was at its finest. It remains the salt of the earth and a light upon a hill, reminding us that governments may govern and institutions may serve, but it is God who preserves nations,” he said.

Emphasising the importance of faith in nation-building, Akpabio declared that prayer played a crucial role in securing democracy and remains essential for preserving it.

“The healing of a nation begins when its people return to God. Prayer helped secure democracy. Prayer will help preserve it. What faith obtained, only faithfulness can sustain,” he said.

Akpabio noted that President Tinubu directed a low-key Democracy Day this year out of “empathy for the burdens many Nigerians bear,” acknowledging that “the pains of reform weigh heavily on families.”

“We have survived political upheavals, economic turbulence. We will survive insurgencies. We have survived pandemics like Ebola and COVID-19 and seasons of despotism. Yet here we stand. Twenty-seven years of democratic governance. Twenty-seven years of constitutional order and hope renewed,” Akpabio said.

As part of the Democracy Day observance, Akpabio called on Nigerians to pray for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly, the judiciary, the Armed Forces, security agencies, and all public servants entrusted with leadership responsibilities.

Also speaking at the event, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, said the Federal Government was intensifying efforts to address insecurity and reduce the economic burden facing Nigerians. Speaking on behalf of President Tinubu, Akume assured that authorities would continue to strengthen measures aimed at defeating terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups while working towards the safe return of all abducted persons.

Akume acknowledged the economic hardship, insecurity, kidnappings, and displacement affecting many communities, stating that the government was fully aware of the challenges and remained committed to addressing them.

“Government is sensitive to all these pains, shares in these pains and has heard your cries,” Akume said, adding that President Tinubu was leading efforts to address the challenges with compassion and a strong sense of responsibility.

On security, the SGF stressed that the safety of Nigerians remains a top priority of the Federal Government, describing recent attacks and abductions as painful reminders that more work remains to be done.

“The government of Nigeria shall never succumb to terror, banditry or any form of criminal intimidation,” he declared.

With political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gradually gathering momentum, the SGF urged Nigerians to reject violence, hate campaigns and divisive rhetoric, warning that democracy must never be reduced to a battleground. He particularly appealed to young Nigerians not to allow themselves to be used for thuggery, political violence, misinformation campaigns, ethnic abuse or religious intolerance.

“Do not rent out your conscience for money, drugs, political patronage or online applause. Your future is worth more than any politician’s temporary convenience,” he said.

Dignitaries at the service included Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack.

The church service formed part of the activities lined up for the country’s 27th Democracy Day anniversary, which the Federal Government said would be observed on a modest scale. Other scheduled activities included a World Press Conference on June 4, Special Juma’at Prayers on June 5, a Democracy Day Public Lecture on June 9, Youth and Women-Oriented Programmes on June 10, and a Presidential Broadcast and Democracy Day Gala Night on June 12, 2026.

The Democracy Day celebration, held annually on June 12, was instituted in honour of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s freest and fairest polls and won by the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola.

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Deploy Ancestral Powers Against Bandits, Ooni Tells Yoruba Monarchs, Ifa Worshippers

Ile-Ife, Nigeria – The Ooni of Ife and Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has called for an end to banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities threatening lives and livelihoods across Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole.

The revered monarch made the call on Sunday at his Ile-Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State, during the grand finale of the 2026 World Ifa Festival. According to a statement issued by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, the Ooni—who also serves as the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN)—expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation in parts of the country and urged all stakeholders to join hands with government authorities in restoring peace and safety.

The Ooni specifically called on traditional rulers across Yorubaland to strengthen collaboration among themselves and work closely with security agencies to combat criminal elements operating within their domains. He stressed that traditional rulers must take greater responsibility in safeguarding their communities while supporting the efforts of the government and security agencies.

“We must rise collectively against the menace of banditry and kidnapping. Enough is enough. Our people deserve to live in peace and move freely without fear. Traditional rulers must take greater responsibility in safeguarding their communities while supporting the efforts of the government and security agencies,” the Ooni stated.

Oba Ogunwusi further urged Ifa devotees and traditional worshippers across the country to deploy the spiritual and cultural resources embedded in African traditional institutions in the fight against insecurity.

“We must bring together our traditional powers, spiritual heritage, and communal values to chase bandits, kidnappers, and all criminal elements out of Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole. Our ancestors stood for justice, peace, and communal harmony, and we must invoke those values at this critical time,” he added.

While acknowledging that insecurity remains a major challenge for the Federal Government, the monarch commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the ongoing efforts of his administration in tackling insecurity across the country. He noted that although challenges remain, the government has demonstrated commitment towards addressing security concerns. He stressed that sustainable peace can only be achieved through collective responsibility and national unity.

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“This is a time for unity. Government alone cannot solve the security challenges facing the nation. Traditional institutions, religious leaders, community stakeholders, and citizens must work together in support of ongoing efforts to secure our country,” the Ooni said.

As part of the spiritual activities marking the festival, the Ooni offered special ancestral prayers for the safe release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in recent attacks in Oyo and Borno states. He described the incidents as painful and unacceptable, praying that divine intervention would secure the immediate freedom of all victims and comfort affected families.

The Ooni’s ancestral prayers followed the abduction of over 40 schoolchildren, including toddlers, and seven teachers during coordinated attacks on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026. The affected schools include Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community High School, Ahoro-Esienle; and L.A. Primary School. During the attacks, gunmen reportedly killed one teacher and later beheaded another teacher while in captivity.

According to reports, the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has repeatedly assured residents that the government is working “round the clock” to secure the release of the victims, revealing that federal security personnel had been actively involved in the rescue mission for weeks. The governor disclosed that several suspects, including alleged informants and logistics suppliers linked to the attackers, had been arrested, and security operatives continuing rescue efforts reportedly encountered improvised explosive devices planted by the kidnappers.

Similarly, in Mussa, Borno State, gunmen attacked three educational institutions and abducted more than 50 children, most of them between the ages of two and five years. The affected schools were Government Day Secondary School, Mussa Central Primary School, and State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Secondary School.

The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, has called for the immediate and safe release of the abducted pupils and teachers, warning that the incidents pose a serious threat to education and child protection in the country. “The UN Resident Coordinator is deeply saddened that these school children and their teachers are still being held by armed groups. Schools must remain safe havens for learning and not places of fear. Children should never be a target,” Fall said.

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Also reacting to the security situation, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has advised South West governments to empower Amotekun and vigilante groups like the Oduduwa Peoples Congress (OPC) and Iru Ekun in order to halt the advance of bandits. In a statement issued on Friday, the Executive Director of the group, Professor Ishaq Akintola, noted that the recent incursion of bandits into Oyo State, where they killed a teacher and kidnapped dozens of pupils and teachers, has heightened security concerns in the South West.

Speaking at the World Ifa Festival event, the Araba Awo Agbaye, Chief Awodotun Aworeni, urged Nigerians to embrace their cultural heritage and uphold the moral teachings embedded in Ifa tradition. According to him, Ifa remains a divine source of wisdom, guidance, and moral direction capable of fostering peaceful coexistence and sustainable development.

“The message of this year’s World Ifa Festival revolves around peace, unity, good relationships with fellow human beings, respect for elders, and collective responsibility for societal progress. If humanity embraces these values, the world will become a better place,” the Araba Awo Agbaye stated.

Also speaking, a tourist from Brazil, Paulo Silva, expressed admiration for the richness of Yoruba culture and the spiritual significance of the festival. He said his participation in the event deepened his understanding of African traditional heritage and strengthened the cultural connection between Africa and the African diaspora.

“I am deeply impressed by the preservation of Yoruba culture and traditions. The World Ifa Festival has provided an opportunity for people from different parts of the world to reconnect with their roots and appreciate the enduring relevance of African civilization,” he said.

He also commended the Ooni of Ife for his relentless efforts in promoting Yoruba culture, African spirituality, tourism, and cultural diplomacy on the global stage.

The Ooni’s call to action comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in the South-West region. By urging monarchs and Ifa devotees to collectively invoke ancestral powers, Oba Ogunwusi has positioned the traditional institution as a critical partner in restoring peace and safety across Yorubaland, emphasizing that while the government has demonstrated commitment, sustainable peace requires collective effort from all stakeholders.

Deploy Ancestral Powers Against Bandits, Ooni Tells Yoruba Monarchs, Ifa Worshippers