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MSSN Warns Sanwo-Olu Against Reigniting Hijab Crisis in Lagos Schools
MSSN Warns Sanwo-Olu Against Reigniting Hijab Crisis in Lagos Schools
The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Lagos State Area Unit, has warned the Lagos State Government against actions it described as attempts to reignite the long-settled hijab controversy in Lagos public secondary schools, insisting that the Supreme Court judgment on hijab remains final and binding.
In a statement issued on Monday, January 19, 2026, the Amir (President) of MSSN Lagos, Kamoldeen Abiona, expressed concern over what the group called renewed harassment and intimidation of hijab-wearing Muslim female students by some school authorities across the state.
Abiona urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to immediately intervene by calling officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Education, including tutors-general and school principals, to order and ensure strict compliance with the law.
The MSSN reaction followed reports of a meeting held on January 15, 2026, at the Adeyemo Bero Auditorium, Ikeja, involving school principals, ministry officials and the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, where it was allegedly stated that the hijab must not cover school badges.
Describing the directive as provocative, Abiona said it amounted to a subtle attempt to overturn a settled legal matter.
“The Supreme Court of Nigeria conclusively affirmed the right of Muslim female students to wear the hijab on June 17, 2022. There is no provision in that judgment empowering the state or any official to redesign or dilute the hijab,” he said.
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According to him, insisting that the hijab must not cover school badges effectively forces students to wear “mini-hijabs or neck scarves” that do not meet Islamic requirements. He noted that school badges can be pinned on the hijab if visibility is the concern, stressing that administrative convenience must not override constitutional and religious rights.
The MSSN Lagos leader also criticised the reported formation of a committee to examine the length of the hijab, describing it as unnecessary and a direct challenge to the authority of the apex court.
“There is nothing left to examine after the Supreme Court has delivered its final verdict. Any such committee is a waste of public funds and an insult to the Nigerian judiciary,” Abiona said.
He warned that attempts to create what he described as a “government-approved version of Islam” would be firmly resisted by the organisation through lawful means.
Expressing disappointment with the Sanwo-Olu administration, Abiona said it was troubling that the government, nearing the end of its tenure, appeared willing to reopen an issue that previously generated years of litigation and social tension in the state.
He called on the government to withdraw any directive concerning the exposure of school badges on hijabs and to immediately disband any committee reviewing the Supreme Court hijab judgment.
The MSSN also urged school principals and teachers to disregard any instruction that contradicts the court ruling, warning that compliance with such directives could amount to contempt of court.
While reaffirming the group’s commitment to peace, Abiona stressed that MSSN Lagos would not hesitate to deploy “every legal and constitutional means” to protect the rights of the Muslim girl-child in Lagos schools.
“Any attempt to harass our students based on illegal guidelines will be met with stiff but lawful resistance,” he said.
MSSN Warns Sanwo-Olu Against Reigniting Hijab Crisis in Lagos Schools
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Benue School Harassment: Authorities Investigate Assault on Female Student at Seat of Wisdom Aliade
Benue School Harassment: Authorities Investigate Assault on Female Student at Seat of Wisdom Aliade
Authorities in Benue State have launched an investigation following a disturbing incident at Seat of Wisdom Secondary School, Aliade, where a female student was reportedly harassed and assaulted by her peers. The event has raised serious concerns over student safety and supervision in the state’s schools.
According to preliminary reports, the victim, a female student at the school, was subjected to inappropriate treatment by a group of classmates while on school premises. The incident came to light after other students alerted the school authorities, prompting the administration to notify local law enforcement.
The Benue State Police Command confirmed that officers have begun a formal investigation. Police spokespersons said statements are being taken from witnesses, and the identities of those involved are being verified. Officials have emphasized that the safety and well-being of all students remain a top priority.
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School management has pledged full cooperation with authorities, stating that disciplinary measures will be taken against any student found responsible, while also offering counselling services for both the victim and other students affected by the incident. Parents and community leaders have condemned the act, describing it as unacceptable and a violation of students’ rights.
Child protection experts have stressed that incidents like this highlight the urgent need for robust safety policies, awareness programs, and reporting mechanisms within schools. They recommend that schools implement regular workshops on respect, personal boundaries, and peer conflict resolution to prevent future occurrences.
The case has sparked broader discussions across Benue State about the responsibilities of school administrators, teachers, and guardians in protecting students from harassment and ensuring a safe learning environment.
Authorities have assured the public that the investigation will be thorough, and anyone found culpable will face legal consequences in accordance with Nigerian law.
Benue School Harassment: Authorities Investigate Assault on Female Student at Seat of Wisdom Aliade
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Violent Protest in Ogoja After Man Allegedly Kills Girlfriend in Cross River
Violent Protest in Ogoja After Man Allegedly Kills Girlfriend in Cross River
Tension has gripped Ogoja following the alleged killing of a 26-year-old woman, Moshie Igu, by her boyfriend, sparking a violent protest in Cross River and renewed concerns over gender-based violence in Nigeria.
According to the Nigeria Police Force, the suspect, 35-year-old Malime Ejor, allegedly carried out the attack in the early hours of Saturday, March 28, 2026, at a farm in Nwang Village, Ekajuk community.
Police spokesperson Sunday Eitokpah disclosed that preliminary findings show the suspect reportedly lured the victim to a nearby stream, where he attacked her with a machete, leading to her death.
Operatives responded swiftly after the incident was reported, arresting the suspect and rescuing him from an attempted mob action by enraged youths at the scene. He is currently in custody, while arrangements are being made to deposit the victim’s remains at the General Hospital mortuary in Ogoja. The police further confirmed that the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Calabar for a thorough and discreet investigation.
The situation escalated on Monday when hundreds of women and youths from Nwang I & II and other parts of the Ekajuk clan staged a protest, demanding the release of the suspect. The demonstrators marched to the Area Command in Ogoja, but the protest soon turned violent, with some protesters attacking officers and vandalising property, including a vehicle and parts of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) facility.
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Security operatives were forced to deploy smoke canisters to disperse the crowd, while at least eight individuals were arrested in connection with the unrest. Authorities say the situation is now under control, and in a bid to ease tensions, those arrested during the protest were later released to a community leader.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to ensuring justice, stressing that the suspect remains in custody and will face due legal process. With the case set for transfer to SCID, authorities are expected to deepen investigations and prepare for prosecution.
The incident has sparked fresh conversations around femicide, domestic violence, and the increasing cases of relationship-related killings in Nigeria. Analysts warn that attempts by communities to interfere in criminal investigations—such as demanding the release of suspects—could undermine justice and embolden perpetrators.
Residents and stakeholders have been urged to remain calm and allow the law to take its course, as calls for justice for the victim continue to grow.
Violent Protest in Ogoja After Man Allegedly Kills Girlfriend in Cross River
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Gunmen Attack Wedding in Kaduna, Kill 13, Abduct Several Guests
Gunmen Attack Wedding in Kaduna, Kill 13, Abduct Several Guests
Suspected bandits have attacked a wedding ceremony in Kahir village, located in Kagarko Local Government Area, killing at least 13 people and abducting an unspecified number of guests.
The incident occurred late Sunday night in Kaduna State when heavily armed assailants reportedly stormed the venue and opened fire on attendees gathered for the celebration.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the attackers arrived at about 11:47 p.m., shooting indiscriminately inside the wedding hall and causing widespread panic. A resident, Shehu Bala, said some guests sustained gunshot injuries during the assault.
According to reports, the gunmen operated for nearly an hour without resistance, leaving several casualties in their wake.
Injured victims were initially taken to Kagarko General Hospital, while those with critical injuries were later transferred to medical facilities in Kaduna for advanced treatment.
A community leader confirmed that 13 people lost their lives in the attack and have since been buried. He added that efforts are ongoing to ascertain the exact number of those abducted by the assailants.
The attackers were also said to have looted shops within the community, carting away food items, provisions, and drugs from a local chemist during the raid.
“The entire community was thrown into panic due to the heavy gunfire, forcing many residents to flee into nearby bushes,” the community leader said.
Police authorities in Kagarko have confirmed the incident but stated that investigations are still ongoing, particularly regarding the number of abducted victims. The spokesperson of the Kaduna State Police Command, DSP Hassan Mansur, also confirmed the attack, noting that a comprehensive report would be released upon conclusion of investigations.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, alongside a serving senator, visited injured victims receiving treatment at the hospital in Kagarko.
Gunmen Attack Wedding in Kaduna, Kill 13, Abduct Several Guests
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