RESCUE OF ORIIRE KIDNAP VICTIMS: KUDOS TO TINUBU, MAKINDE, SECURITY AGENTS - MURIC ‎

 

MUSLIM RIGHTS CONCERN (MURIC)

‎هيئة حقوق المسلمين

‎Motto: Dialogue, Not Violence

‎

‎12^th July, 2026

‎PRESS RELEASE:

‎RESCUE OF ORIIRE KIDNAP VICTIMS: KUDOS TO TINUBU, MAKINDE, SECURITY AGENTS - MURIC

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‎A faith-based civil liberties organization, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and the Nigerian security agencies over the successful rescue of 46 kidnap victims at Oriire, near Ogbomosho. 

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‎Reacting to the rescue of the victims on Sunday, 12th July, 2026, the Executive Director of the group, Professor Ishaq Akintola, said the arrested kidnappers would have been nailed to the cross if Shari'ah had been allowed to decide their fate. 

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‎He added:

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‎"After spending 56 days in captivity, the Nigerian security agents successfully rescued the 39 children and seven teachers kidnapped at Oriire, near Ogbomosho, yesterday (https://guardian.ng/news/56-days-in-hell-over-for-oyo-children-and-teachers/). 

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‎"MURIC commends the audacity manifested by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the resilience exhibited by Governor Seyi Makinde and the gallantry displayed by the security agents involved in the extensive operation.

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‎"We recall that both President Tinubu and Governor Makinde were cconfronted by Nigerians over the sad incident. Unobjective criticisms flew from the right, left and center as if the issue at stake was as easy as picking out an unwanted ant from a plate of rice. But President Tinubu and Governor Makinde took the criticisms with equanimity. They accepted it as one of the hazards of leadership. 

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‎"Critics forgot that the criminal elements had turned their victims to human shields and any rash move to rescue them could result in a huge calamity. Nigerians are yet to learn that it is easier to rescue one or two people from a kidnapper's den. The larger the number, the more complicated the situation.

‎

‎"But our security agents wore out the enemy, isolated them technically and mesmerised them psychologically. This is a factor critics failed to see. The ring formed around the target area was instrumental to the restriction of the kidnappers to one spot. They were cornered, helpless, frustrated. They regretted the day they picked kidnapping as a profession.

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‎"Nonetheless, we are constrained to fire a  caveat emptor: this class of kidnappers deserve no legal courtesy, no judicial protocol, no human rights obligations. They cast away the right to dignified trial the day they beheaded teacher Michael Oyedokun. They do not belong to the community of homo sapiens compos mentis. 

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‎"We pity lawyers who will defend them. Nigerians want to see them tied to the backs of trucks and dragged on the streets of Ogbomosho. Democracy has proved its own weakness here. 

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‎"If Shari'ah were allowed to be used in deciding their case, according to Qur'an 5:33, they wouldhave been nailed to crosses. Then their right hands and left legs would be cut off before they are killed. It would have served as a bitter lesson to other kidnappers. Unfortunately, however, some Nigerians oppose Shari'ah out of ignorance.

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‎"MURIC salutes all the gallant security agents involved in the rescue as well as the leadership of the commands for their patience, professionalism and meticulous planning. We are proud of them. 

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‎"At this juncture, it is pertinent to remember those among them who paid the ultimate price. We call for the immortalisation of Lt. Festus Isaac and his late colleague. They must not die in vain.

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‎"We charge the Federal Government (FG) to go all out to compensate the family of Lt. Isaac. A bungalow gift for each family from FG and cash not less than N20 million each from the government of Oyo State will not be out of place as compensation for their families. Only thus can our security agents risk their lives for us without looking back. 

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‎"Once again we reiterate the significance of unity. We must act in unison to defeat our common enemies. Good Christians are not our enemies. Good Muslims are not our enemies. Our common enemies are the criminals who hide under the canopy of religion and they can only win if we are divided. Oneness of purpose is therefore sine qua non to defeat terrorists and other criminals."

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‎#OriireKidnapVictims

‎#KudosPresidentTinubu

‎#KudosGovernorMakinde

‎#KudosSecurityAgents

‎

‎Professor Ishaq Akintola, 

‎Founder/Executive Director, 

‎Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC).

 

RELEASE EL-RUFAI'S DOCTOR: MURIC TELLS ICPC

 

MUSLIM RIGHTS CONCERN (MURIC)

‎هيئة حقوق المسلمين

‎Motto: Dialogue, Not Violence

‎

‎10^th July, 2026

‎

‎RELEASE EL-RUFAI'S DOCTOR: MURIC TELLS ICPC

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‎The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Wednesday allegedly arrested Professor Bello Abubakar, former governor Nasir El-Rufai’s personal physician over alleged false statements. 

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‎But an Islamic human rights organization, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has demanded the doctor's release. In a statement issued on Friday, 10th July, 2026 by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, the group contended that medical personnel are respected everywhere in the world. 

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‎The full statement reads:

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‎"The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Wednesday allegedly arrested Professor Bello Abubakar, former governor Nasir El-Rufai’s personal physician over alleged false statements (https://guardian.ng/news/corruption-case-icpc-arrests-el-rufais-personal-physician-over-alleged-false-statements/) 

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‎"We condemn this arrest. It is arbitrary, alien to global best practices and absolutely uncalled for. This arrest stands in contradistinction to democratic principles. We therefore demand tthe unconditional release of the doctor with immediate effect.

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‎"Even in war zones, medical personnel are considered untouchable. They are immune to all types of aggression and hostile activities. They are solely responsible for care-giving to injured and sick soldiers. 

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‎"Anything goes in detention, particularly this type of detention. The doctor might be compelled to compromise, to release information about his patient against the rules of his profession. 

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‎"We are not convinced that the doctor had committed any offence and the explanations given by ICPC can hardly scratch the surface. Nigerians need more to be convinced."

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‎#ICPC

‎#ElRufai

‎#ElRufaiDoctor

‎#LetTheDoctorGo

‎

‎Professor Ishaq Akintola, 

‎Founder/Executive Director, 

‎Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC).

 

MULAN PRESIDENT: MURIC CONGRATULATES HASSAN FAJIMITE

 

MUSLIM RIGHTS CONCERN (MURIC)

‎هيئة حقوق المسلمين

‎Motto: Dialogue, Not Violence

‎

‎8^th July, 2026

‎

‎PRESS RELEASE:

‎‎MULAN PRESIDENT: MURIC CONGRATULATES HASSAN FAJIMITE

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‎The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has congratulated Barrister Hasan Fajimite on his recent election as the president of the Muslim Lawyers Association (MULAN). 

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‎In a message sent on Wednesday, 8th July, 2026, MURIC described Fajimite as hardworking, humble and an embodiment of integrity. The message was signed by the group's Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola. 

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‎The full message reads:

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‎"The Muslim Lawyers Association (MULAN) recently elected Barrister Hasan Fajimite as its new president. 

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‎"We congratulate Barrister Hasan Fajimite on this great feat. MULAN could not have found a better leader at this crucial period. 

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‎"Barrister Fajimite is a legal luminary of immense standing. His selflessness knows no bounds. His spirit of sacrifice has no borders particularly when it comes to service in the course of Islam.

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‎"Fajimite is hardworking, humble and an embodiment of integrity. He has been at the forefront of legal battles fought by Muslims in South West Nigeria. In MURIC, we call him SAN of the Ummah." 

 

‎#MULAN

‎#HasanFajimite

‎#SANofTheUmmah

‎

‎Professor Ishaq Akintola, 

‎Founder/Executive Director, 

‎Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC).

 

 

APPEAL COURT RULING ON HIJAB: IT IS A TRAVESTY OF JUSTICE

 

MUSLIM RIGHTS CONCERN (MURIC)

‎هيئة حقوق المسلمين

‎Motto: Dialogue, Not Violence

‎

‎4^th July, 2026

‎‎PRESS RELEASE:

‎

‎APPEAL COURT RULING ON HIJAB: IT IS A TRAVESTY OF JUSTICE

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‎An Islamic human rights organization, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has described yesterday's ruling of the appelate court on hijab as a travesty of justice and a forced abortion in the temple of justice. 

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‎MURIC's reaction came in a statement issued on Saturday, 4th July, 2026 by the Executive Director of the group, Professor Ishaq Akintola. 

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‎The statement reads:

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‎"An appeal court sitting in Ibadan yesterday upturned the judgement of a lower court which approved the use of hijab in the International School, University of Ibadan (ISI-UI). 

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‎"The appellate court’s decision came after a seven-year legal battle over the use of hijab instituted by 11 female Muslim students of the International School, University of Ibadan. In a split majority judgment of two to one, the Court of Appeal held that ISI-UI is a private school because it does not receive government subventions.

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‎"The Appeal Court also ruled that although freedom of religion is a fundamental right, it is a personal right that can be waived. It held that the students had voluntarily accepted the school’s code of conduct and, therefore, could not claim that their rights had been infringed by the school’s dress policy (https://www.thecable.ng/appeal-court-upturns-judgment-allowing-hijab-at-ui-international-school/). 

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‎"This is a travesty of justice, a forced abortion in the temple of justice and an inexplicable judicial somersault. This pronouncement cannot stand parri passu global best practices.

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‎"It is a basic principle in the Nigerian legal system and around the world that a lower court cannot overrule the decision of a higher one, how much more in a case that the Supreme Court had given a pronouncement. It is well known that the Nigerian Supreme Court ruled in favour of the hijab since July 2022.

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‎"It is our contention that even as a private school, ISI-UI has no right to violate Allah-given fundamental human rights of Muslim students moreso since the Constitution clearly States that no private rules, regulations or edicts can override its stipulations. 

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‎"This miscarriage of justice will not go unchallenged. We are heading to ‎the Supreme Court. A Christian legal system has robbed Muslims of their identity and their value system. It must not stand. It is a blatant assault on our norms and Established social decorum. It has made a caricature of legitimate demands of Muslims. The battle has just started. Supreme Court here we come."

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‎#ISI-UIHijab

‎#TravestyOfJustice

‎#SupremeCourtStraight

 

‎Professor Ishaq Akintola, 

‎Founder/Executive Director, 

‎Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC).

 

HIJAB: NEW NYSC UNIFORM MUST BE DECENT, INCLUSIVE - MURIC

 

MUSLIM RIGHTS CONCERN (MURIC)

‎هيئة حقوق المسلمين

‎Motto: Dialogue, Not Violence

‎

‎3^rd July, 2026

‎‎PRESS RELEASE:

‎‎HIJAB: NEW NYSC UNIFORM MUST BE DECENT, INCLUSIVE - MURIC

‎‎As the Federal Government reforms the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) and designs a new uniform for the service, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has reminded the authorities of the need for decency and inclusiveness in the concept of the new uniform. 

‎‎In a statement issued on Friday, 3rd July, 2026, the Executive Director of the human rights organization, Professor Ishaq Akintola, called for special uniform designs for female Muslim corpers. According to him, the new NYSC uniform must not only accommodate the hijab, it must also project decency and protect the integrity of Muslim women. 

‎‎The full version of the press release reads:

‎‎"The Federal Government has announced its intention to reform the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC). The reform will also necessitate designing a new uniform while the role of the military in the service will be drastically reduced (https://punchng.com/fg-reforms-nysc

‎-replaces-military-leadership-redesigns-uniform/?amp). 

‎‎"Although we welcome some aspects of the proposed reform, we call for caution on the issue of redesigning the NYSC uniform. In particular, we demand the involvement of at least one notable female Islamic society in the country (e.g. FOMWAN: Federation of Muslim Women Associations in Nigeria) in the design in order to cater for the interest of Muslims in the new uniform.

‎‎"Such engagement will save the reformed scheme from unnecessary controversy and undue ethical bottlenecks. We consider our intervention germane and timely since the final design has not been made public. 

‎‎"It is necessary to give background information for a good understanding of our position. It is an open secret that the Christian colonial masters were the ones who designed the school uniforms which are still in use today. But they only ensured that it was suitable for Christians. No thought was given to the need to conceptualize a uniform that would be suitable for Muslims. It was exclusive. 

‎‎"Unfortunately, successive Nigerian administriations in post-independence Nigeria paid no attention to the need to engage the Muslims and integrate them in the designs. 

‎‎"Naturally, this cultural lopsidedness resulted in a clash of cultures with Muslims demanding adjustments in the design of school uniforms, particularly for the Muslim female species (https://dailytrust.com/muric-tackles-lagos-govt-over-hijab-ban/). 

‎‎"The hijab question has been fought and won to a large extent but it spilled over to the NYSC  uniform which Muslims also considered too westernised (https://guardian.ng/features/ban-on-hijab-muric-faults-dg-of-nysc/).

‎‎"A gale of agitations ensued and NYSC authorities eventually succumbed by proposing a moderate hijab design for Muslim corpers (https://punchng.com/nysc-approves-white-shoulder-length-hijab-for-corps-members/?amp).

‎‎"But feelers from the new NYSC uniform design which is being expected to accompany the proposed reforms in NYSC seem to suggest that the concept of the new uniform has reversed the gains of marginalised Muslims as there is no sign of an hijab design for the new uniform. 

‎‎"MURIC therefore advises stakeholders to carry the Muslims along because  only this will be a true reflection of the diverse cultures that make up the country. Nigerian Muslims will reject the imposition of any Christian-oriented uniform for the new reformed NYSC. Neither shall we allow our daughters to be indecently exposed in the name of a new NYSC uniform. 

‎‎"We remind the authorities of the need for inclusiveness in the concept of the new uniform. We advocate for adequate consultation before the final decision is made on the new NYSC uniform. The practice of shaving the heads of muslims in their absence has become anachronistic. We must have a place at the table. A stitch in time saves nine"

‎‎#FG

‎#NYSCReform

‎#FemaleMuslimCorpers

‎#Hijab

‎#NoToIndecentNYSCUniform

‎

‎Professor Ishaq Akintola, 

‎Founder/Executive Director, 

‎Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC).

 

NSCIA CHOICE OF ABBAS JIMOH COMMENDABLE - MURIC

 

MUSLIM RIGHTS CONCERN (MURIC)

‎هيئة حقوق المسلمين

‎Motto: Dialogue, Not Violence

‎

‎1^st July, 2026

‎‎PRESS RELEASE:

‎‎NSCIA CHOICE OF ABBAS JIMOH COMMENDABLE - MURIC

‎‎Nigeria's umbrella Islamic body, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has been commended for picking the right man as its spokesperson. 

‎‎Making the commendation on Wednesday, 1st July, 2026 was a faith-based civil liberties group, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC). According to the Executive Director of the organization, Professor Ishaq Akintola, Mr. Abbas Jimoh has the required experience to whether any storm. 

‎‎He said:

‎‎"The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), last week appointed Mr. Abbas Jimoh, a veteran journalist, as its spokesperson (https://dailytrust.com/abbas-jimoh-ex-daily-trust-staffer-appointed-nscia-spokesperson/). 

‎‎"Mr. Abbas Jimoh is a veteran journalist who knows the straights and bends of the Fourth Estate of the Realm. We have no scintilla of doubt that he has the required experience to whether any storm in the pen profession. 

‎‎"He is a square peg in a square hole. Mr. Abbas Jimoh has the required experience to whether any storm. He knows his onions. 

‎‎"NSCIA leadership deserves encomiums for adopting inclusivity, transparency and objectivity as its search mechanisms to pick its spokesperson. We are not surprised that the umbrella Islamic organization picked the right person.

‎‎"MURIC heartily congratulates the new NSCIA spokesperson for a well deserved position. We charge him to discharge his duties with diligence, courage and highlevel professionalism."

‎‎#KudosNSCIA

‎#NSCIASpokesperson

‎#AbbasJimoh

‎

‎Professor Ishaq Akintola, 

‎Founder/Executive Director, 

‎Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC).

‎

 

SHETTIMA'S RETENTION A POSITIVE SIGN - MURIC

 

MUSLIM RIGHTS CONCERN (MURIC)

‎هيئة حقوق المسلمين

‎Motto: Dialogue, Not Violence

‎‎16^th July, 2026

PRESS RELEASE:

‎SHETTIMA'S RETENTION A POSITIVE SIGN - MURIC

‎A faith-based civil liberties organization, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has described the retention of Vice President Kashim Shettimah as the running mate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a positive sign. 

‎‎Commenting on the development on Thursday, 16th July, 2026 was Professor Ishaq Akintola who is the Executive Director of the human rights organization. He opined that the decision to retain Shettimah will boost confidence in the Tinubu administration among Muslim voters who constitute the largest chunk of the Nigerian electorate. 

‎‎MURIC expatiated:

‎‎"The name of Vice President Kashim Shettimah was announced a few days ago as the running mate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election (https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/894409-apc-retains-shettima-as-tinubus-running-mate-ahead-of-2027-election.html). 

‎‎"This is a positive sign. We have no scintilla of doubt that the decision to retain Shettimah will boost confidence in the Tinubu administration among Muslim voters who constitute the largest chunk of the Nigerian electorate but who, sadly, have borne the brunt of low government patronage in terms of political appointments, social empowerment and other dividends of democracy.

‎‎"It is now that Muslims in the country begin to see hope on the horizon. This action symptomises the beginning of a chain of actions which tantamount to reviews of those policies which Muslim leaders and their followers find objectionable, degrading, naturally queer, socially inexplicable and politically unconventional.

‎‎"We therefore urge Nigerian Muslims to tarry awhile as more policy realignments are being expected before the 2027 general elections. We should not throw away the baby with the dirty bath water. There is light at the end of the tunnel.

‎‎"It should be noted that this administration has been under immense pressure to present a Christian running mate for the coming election. But the president is too shrewd politically to swallow the empty bait which was motivated by personal aggrandizement. The fact that President Tinubu decided to maintain the status quo shows that he has no intention to jettison Muslim interest.

‎‎"We smell Solomonic wisdom in President Tinubu's decision to retain his vice president as his running mate. It is not dictated by religion. It is motivated by strategy. It is numbers that count in elections, not faith, not sentiment."

‎‎#2027TinubuRunningMate

‎#KashimShettimaForVP2027

‎#PositiveSign

 

‎‎Professor Ishaq Akintola, 

‎Founder/Executive Director, 

‎Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC).