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

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

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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’