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Pastor arrested over brutal attack on Muslim family in Iseyin

Published

2 years ago

June 27, 2024

Pastor arrested over brutal attack on Muslim family in Iseyin

Pastor Busari Stephen of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Oke Imuse, Iseyin, who connived with his military officer son, Damilola Stephen and 19 others to invade and brutally attack a Muslim man, Sulaimon Abdulazeez and his two niqabi (veiled) wives, has been arrested.

He was detained at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), of the Iyaganku Police station, Ibadan Oyo State capital.

The pastor’s arrest was confirmed to Muslim News on Wednesday, June 26, by Barrister Abdul Waheed Olowonjaye Esq., counsel to the petitioner, who added that he and his accomplices are being charged with attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, house-breaking, stealing, and criminal assault against Mr. Sulaiman and his family.

He said, “I can confirm to you that the Pastor has been arrested on Tuesday, June 25 and he is being detained at Iyaganku State CID.

“Others who are involved in the brutal attack will be apprehended soonest, in shaa Allah. Thereafter, we will be approaching the court.”

Muslim News had earlier reported how the Pastor’s son, Damilola Stephen, a soldier with identification no 23NA/85/11522 together with 19 others suspected to be fake soldiers on Sunday, June 16, the day of Eid-Al-Adha, stormed the residence of the victims at Olobide Villa and attacked them with dangerous weapons shortly after they returned from the Eid (praying) ground.

In a widely circulating video obtained by Newstrends, the victims narrated how the soldiers bombarded their home with knives, batons, and sharp rods among others, adding that they forced their way into the premises which was locked.

They battered the husband severally and dragged one of the wives, who is heavily pregnant, while the other wife’s head was smashed.

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The violent attack on the innocent and helpless Muslim family has continued to attract spontaneous reactions from individuals and Muslim organisations across the country, as they demanded justice for the victims and called for the arrest of the culprits.

It’s a clear manifestation of religious intolerance: Al-Mu’minaat

In a press statement to condemn the attack on the Muslim family, the Oyo State chapter of Al-Mu’minaat (the Believing Muslim Women Organisation), described the incident as a clear manifestation of religious intolerance and abuse of power by the military officers contracted to execute the denigration of the status of an innocent family.

According to the State Amirah, Hajia Rafah Bakrin, “We are deeply disturbed and outraged by the recent incident that occurred on Ileya Day. A Muslim cleric, his wife and children were brutally beaten and inhumanly injured by soldiers at the behest of a pastor whose church neighbours the residence of the family , merely for carrying out the religious act of slaughtering a ram in front of his own house as part of the Islamic rites of Ileya festival.

“This deplorable act of violence perpetrated by the pastor of the church neighbouring the family’s residence took place on what should have been a joyous day of celebration for the affected family and the Muslim community of Iseyin at large.

“It is even more egregious that the violence was incited by a pastor and carried out by some military officers sworn to protect the citizens at the beckon of the pastor. Among the victims, was the pregnant wife of the Muslim cleric, whom, along with other members of the family, was severely scourged.

“This is not only a gross violation of human rights but also a blatant disregard for the sanctity of life and the principles of religious tolerance and mutual respect.

“We unequivocally condemn this act of violence. It is a clear manifestation of religious intolerance and abuse of power by the military officers contracted to execute the denigration of the status of an innocent family. Such actions threaten the peace and harmony that we strive to maintain in our religiously diverse community.

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The Muslim women’s organisation called on relevant government authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.

“Those found responsible, including the pastor who instigated the violence and the soldiers who carried it out, must be held accountable to face the music. Again, adequate compensation and medical attention must be provided to all victims, including the pregnant woman who suffered such inhumane treatment.

“The government and security agencies must protect all citizens’ rights to practice their religion freely and without fear of persecution or violence, just like religious leaders and community members should engage in constructive dialogue to promote mutual respect and understanding among different faith communities.

“This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for continuous efforts towards fostering a society where peace, respect, and tolerance are upheld. We stand in solidarity with the victims and pledge to continue advocating justice, human rights, and religious harmony as enshrined in the constitution of the nation.

“We will, as an Islamic organisation for the rights of women and children, stop at nothing in securing justice for the affected member of our organisation in this incidence, just as we will do for any other woman in Oyo State.”

Hold perpetrators accountable, Al-Akhwat Muslimat tells security agencies

Another Muslim group, Al-Akhwaatul Muslimaat Organisation, Oyo State Chapter, said it’s outraged and saddened by the vicious attack on a Muslim family, noting, “We strongly condemn this heinous crime and demand justice for the victims.

In the statement, the Amirah of the Organisation in Oyo, Alhaja Bashirat Hashim disclosed that the attack on veiled women is particularly egregious, as they are entitled to respect and dignity.

She urged the authorities to hold the perpetrators accountable and ensure the safety and well-being of the Muslim Ummah in Oyo State.

Pastor arrested over brutal attack on Muslim family in Iseyin

Related Topics:Iseyin Muslim family pastor

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Six Feared Dead as Passenger Boat Crashes on Lagos Waterway, Four Rescued

Published

3 hours ago

December 31, 2025

Trends Admin

15 Rescued As Boat Crash Kill Two In Lagos

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Six Feared Dead as Passenger Boat Crashes on Lagos Waterway, Four Rescued

No fewer than six passengers have been confirmed dead, while four others were rescued, following a boat accident on the Nigerdock axis of the Igbologun Water Channel in Lagos State on Tuesday night.

The tragic incident was confirmed in a joint statement issued on Wednesday by the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).

According to the statement, signed by LASWA Head of Public Affairs, Wuraola Alake, and NIWA Lagos Area Office Head of Corporate Affairs, Omowunmi Yussuff, the accident occurred at about 8:35 p.m. and involved a Savvy Marine passenger boat travelling from Ilashe Beach House.

The agencies said the boat ran into difficulty while navigating the channel, prompting an immediate distress alert that led to the deployment of emergency response teams, working in collaboration with the Marine Police and other first responders.

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“As of the time of this report, four passengers have been successfully rescued and taken to a nearby hospital, where they are receiving medical attention. Sadly, six other passengers were recovered dead at the scene. Search and rescue operations are still ongoing to account for all persons on board,” the statement said.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the vessel may have collided with a submerged object, although authorities noted that a comprehensive investigation is underway to establish the exact cause of the accident.

LASWA and NIWA expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring safety on Lagos inland waterways.

The agencies also urged waterway users to strictly adhere to safety regulations, including proper navigation procedures and compliance with the night travel rule, while advising members of the public to rely only on verified information from official sources.

Six Feared Dead as Passenger Boat Crashes on Lagos Waterway, Four Rescued

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MPAC Condemns Threats Against Igbo Muslims, Calls for Immediate Security Action

Published

4 hours ago

December 31, 2025

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MPAC Executive Chairman Disu Kamor

MPAC Condemns Threats Against Igbo Muslims, Calls for Immediate Security Action

The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) Nigeria has condemned in strong terms an alarming audio recording circulating on social media that allegedly calls for violence against Igbo Muslims, describing it as hate speech and a direct incitement to criminality.

The audio, which gained widespread attention on TikTok, is attributed to Mazi Kanayo and reportedly urges members of the Igbo ethnic group to abduct, brutalize, and eliminate fellow Igbos who practice Islam, while falsely accusing them of abandoning their faith for material gain.

In a statement released on Wednesday, MPAC Executive Chairman Disu Kamor warned that such rhetoric poses a serious threat to public safety and undermines Nigeria’s constitutional guarantees of life, religious freedom, and peaceful coexistence.

“History has repeatedly shown that genocidal rhetoric does not start with violence—it begins with words left unchecked, unchallenged, and unpunished,” the statement read.

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MPAC urged security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), to investigate the origin and circulation of the audio and ensure that all those responsible are identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The group also called on regulatory authorities and social media platforms to take swift action to curb the spread of content that promotes hatred or threatens communal harmony, and asked political, community, and religious leaders—particularly in the South-East—to publicly denounce the incitement to violence and reaffirm their commitment to peaceful coexistence.

MPAC stressed that freedom of expression does not include incitement to murder, ethnic cleansing, or religious persecution, urging Nigerians to reject divisive narratives and stand against attempts to weaponize ethnicity or religion.

“The security of one group is inseparable from the security of all,” the statement emphasized.

The organization confirmed it will continue engaging authorities and monitoring the situation to ensure that the dangerous rhetoric is addressed before it escalates into violence.

MPAC Condemns Threats Against Igbo Muslims, Calls for Immediate Security Action

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MURIC Calls for Arrest of Maazi Kanayo Over Alleged Threats to Igbo Muslims

Published

6 hours ago

December 31, 2025

Trends Admin

Executive Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola

MURIC Calls for Arrest of Maazi Kanayo Over Alleged Threats to Igbo Muslims

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called on Nigerian security agencies to arrest and prosecute Maazi Kanayo for allegedly inciting the Igbo people of South Eastern Nigeria to kidnap and kill Igbo Muslims.

The call was made in a statement released on Wednesday, 31st December, 2025, by the Executive Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola. According to the organization, a viral audio clip showed Kanayo allegedly instructing potential kidnappers and attackers to target Muslims of Igbo extraction living in Enugu, Ebonyi, and Imo States.

“Maazi Kanayo specifically directed his potential kidnappers and killers to target Muslims of Igbo extraction. This is the last thing Nigeria needs at a time when the country faces serious insecurity,” the statement said.

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MURIC described the threats as extremely dangerous, warning that the audio could put thousands of Igbo Muslims’ lives at risk, including some who hold positions as traditional rulers, potentially triggering communal tensions in the South East.

“Every minute counts as the lives of thousands of people hang in the balance,” Professor Akintola said, urging the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police to take immediate action against Kanayo.

MURIC emphasized that the threats were directed at individuals simply for embracing Islam, framing the issue as a grave human rights and security concern. The organization called on the public to remain vigilant and support security agencies in protecting at-risk communities.

#DSS, #NigeriaPolice, #PlotToKillIgboMuslims, #NoToMuslimGenocide.