MURIC faults Olubadan coronation programme over Friday prayer clash – Newstrends
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MURIC faults Olubadan coronation programme over Friday prayer clash

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Director of Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Professor Ishaq Lakin Akintola

MURIC faults Olubadan coronation programme over Friday prayer clash

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has criticized the programme for the upcoming coronation of the new Olubadan of Ibadan, describing it as “provocative, insensitive and unacceptable” for failing to make provisions for the Muslim Friday prayer.

In a statement issued on Saturday, September 6, 2025, and signed by its Founder and Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, the group alleged that the coronation committee bowed to the influence of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, who it claimed has a record of scheduling state functions to coincide with Jumu’ah prayers.

The committee had earlier announced that the week-long celebration of the coronation of the Olubadan-elect, former governor Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, would begin on Monday, September 22, with an interfaith prayer session, followed by cultural and religious activities, before the formal coronation on Friday, September 26, at 9 a.m. A thanksgiving service at the Catholic Cathedral, Oke Padre, was also scheduled for Sunday, September 28.

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MURIC argued that fixing the coronation for Friday morning, coupled with a reception planned for 1 p.m. the same day, effectively sidelines the Muslim Friday prayer.

“Neither is any mention made of any programme to be held in any mosque on that day whereas a ‘Thanksgiving Service’ to be held in the Catholic Cathedral is conspicuously and boldly printed on the programme. This is an attempt to Christianise the coronation ceremony,” Akintola said.

The group recalled that similar incidents occurred during the road commissioning in Iseyin in September 2023 and the coronation of the late Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, in July 2024, when Muslims reportedly missed Jumu’ah due to the governor’s late arrival.

MURIC, which had previously advised Governor Makinde to avoid scheduling events during Friday prayer times, said the present situation shows a disturbing pattern. “Once is happenstance, twice is a coincidence, the third time is enemy action,” the group declared.

As an alternative, MURIC proposed that the coronation be moved to Saturday, September 27, or that Friday’s programme be reviewed to include a “Thanksgiving Jumu’ah Service” at 1 p.m., with the reception shifted to 3 p.m.

The group urged the coronation planning committee to “respect the sensitivity of Oyo State Muslims” and prevent guests from leaving with the impression that Friday prayer is not recognized in the state.

MURIC faults Olubadan coronation programme over Friday prayer clash

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Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu

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Justice Ifeoma Okogwu

Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu

The Delta State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the murder of retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu in Anambra State, arresting key suspects linked to the case.

Spokesperson SP Bright Edafe disclosed on Sunday that operatives of the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), acting on credible intelligence, apprehended 25-year-old security guard Godwin Mngumi on 6 December 2025. Mngumi allegedly murdered the retired judge, and authorities also recovered the deceased’s mobile phone from him.

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According to Edafe, Mngumi confessed to inviting a friend, Nnaji Obalum, and another accomplice — who remains at large — to the residence where the crime was committed. Obalum has since been arrested, while a manhunt continues for the third suspect.

The arrests mark a major step forward in the effort to bring all perpetrators of the high-profile murder to justice.

Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu

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Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes

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Commissioner of Police, Delta State CP Olufemi Abaniwonda

Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes

The Delta State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has made significant strides in its ongoing campaign against cultism and violent crimes. Recent operations, including an intelligence-led arms recovery in Abraka and the arraignment of 18 suspects, highlight the command’s intensified enforcement efforts across the state.

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Spokesperson SP Bright Edafe said on Saturday that the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), under ASP Julius Robinson, executed a successful operation on December 6, 2025, targeting cult-related activities and the proliferation of illegal firearms. Acting on credible intelligence, officers conducted a coordinated search at No. 2 Umeghe Community, Abraka, the residence of Isiakpere Friday, 67.

The move underscores the Delta State Police’s commitment to restoring safety and security in communities affected by criminal and cult-related activities.

Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes

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Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency

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Nigerian Army Officers

Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency

The Nigerian Army has temporarily frozen both statutory and voluntary retirements for certain officers, including Generals, following the nationwide security emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu. The decision aims to bolster manpower as the country faces a surge in kidnappings and worsening insecurity.

The move comes after more than 600 abduction cases were reported in November 2025, including the kidnapping of over 300 students in Niger State, 38 worshippers in Kwara State, and 25 students in Kebbi State.

An internal circular dated December 3 and signed by Maj. Gen. E. I. Okoro on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff cited provisions in the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service Officers (HTACOS) 2024, allowing service extensions “in the interest of the service.” The memo explains that officers usually retire upon reaching age limits, completing 35 years of service, or failing promotion/conversion boards, but these rules can be overridden during national emergencies.

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The suspension affects officers who have:

  • Failed promotion examinations three times
  • Been passed over repeatedly at promotion boards
  • Reached rank age limits
  • Failed conversion boards thrice
  • Completed 35 years of service

Officers granted extensions will remain in service but will not be eligible for further promotions, courses, secondments, or extra-regimental appointments. Those unwilling to continue can still proceed with standard exit procedures.

Commanders have been instructed to communicate the directive and manage morale across units, with the policy to be reviewed once national security conditions improve.

Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency

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