MURIC petitions Oyo police over 2019 murder of Muslim cleric in Fiditi

MURIC petitions Oyo police over 2019 murder of Muslim cleric in Fiditi

 

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Oyo State Chapter, has petitioned the state Commissioner of Police, demanding a thorough investigation into the alleged murder of Pa Biliaminu Taiwo in Fiditi, Afijio Local Government Area of Oyo State, in November 2019.

 

The organisation also called for appropriate legal action against Ojo Akinlabi, following his reported arrest in connection with the killing.

 

In a press release dated October 23, 2026, MURIC said the petition was submitted to the Commissioner of Police on October 22 and acknowledged by the commissioner and the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Iyaganku, Ibadan.

 

According to the organisation, Pa Taiwo was allegedly hacked to death inside a mosque in Fiditi in November 2019.

MURIC urged the police to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the case and ensure that anyone found culpable was prosecuted in accordance with the law.

 

The group also called on the authorities to ensure that the case was handled in a manner that would prevent justice from being frustrated.

 

“Murder is not a bailable offence,” the organisation said, urging the police to ensure that the suspect was brought before a court of competent jurisdiction and that any decision concerning his custody or release complied with the law.

 

MURIC further alleged that Akinlabi had a history of violent attacks, including incidents involving the use of knives allegedly coated with poison. However, the organisation did not provide supporting details of the alleged incidents in the statement.

 

The group described the allegations as a matter of concern and called for appropriate action by the relevant authorities.

 

Reaffirming its commitment to the protection of human rights and the rule of law, MURIC said allegations of criminal conduct should receive the attention of law enforcement agencies and be subjected to due process.

 

The statement was signed by Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, Secretary of MURIC in Oyo State.

 

The organisation concluded its appeal with the declaration: “Justice delayed must not become justice denied.”

 

As of the time of the statement, MURIC had not provided further details about the circumstances surrounding the reported arrest or the current status of the police investigation. The allegations against Akinlabi have not been independently verified, and any determination of criminal responsibility remains a matter for the courts.

 

MURIC petitions Oyo police over 2019 murder of Muslim cleric in Fiditi