Prof. Ishaq Akintola, Director of MURIC

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has urged Muslims in Borno State to allow the police to handle a case of alleged blasphemy instead of taking the law into their hands.

The case involves a woman identified as Naomi Goni, who was alleged to have insulted Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Prof. Ishaq Akintola, Director of MURIC

This comes after the killing of a Christian student of Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto by fellow students over alleged blasphemy last Thursday.

MURIC, in a statement signed by its Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola on Sunday, urged the Borno State government to intervene in the matter.

He said, “Another lady has reportedly blasphemed against the person of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). The latest incident happened in Borno State. The lady in the eye of the storm is Naomi Goni, a student of Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri.

 

“One Abdulmajid Tanko Izge who is leading the allegation against her said in his post, ‘There is a girl named Naomi Goni who insulted the Messenger of Allah (saw) and in Islam, it is a death sentence even if it is a Muslim. We, therefore, call on the Borno State Government to take immediate action or else we Muslims will not sleep and we will take action’.

 

“But neither Tanko’s message nor others that have been posted have revealed the actual blasphemous statement. Her accusers should therefore tell Nigerians the actual statement made by her which they consider blasphemous.

 

“In fact, the lady herself has refuted the allegation. She said her phone was hacked by someone last year. That casts a shadow of doubt on the allegation. It also makes her case different as she might not have been the author of the post.

“Tanko’s blanket statement that ‘in Islam, it is a death sentence even if it is a Muslim’ also calls for concern among Shari’ah experts as he did not differentiate between an offence committed by a Muslim and another committed by a Christian.

“It is well known in Shariah circles in Nigeria that a Christian cannot be taken to a Shariah court unless he or she expressly opts for it. Christians can only be charged to the conventional court (common law court). That is why Muslims of Borno State must allow the police to handle the case of Naomi Goni. She is a Christian and the security agencies are there to handle her if it is true that she has committed blasphemy.

“Muslims must stop issuing death threats concerning this case because that creates the impression that we are living in a lawless society and that we have no respect for the rule of law.

“MURIC calls on Islamic scholars in Borno to follow due process. There should be proper guidance and tutelage for our youths. We should allow the police to investigate the matter.

“The youths should also repose confidence in the state government. They should not entertain the fear that the police will connive with Naomi Goni. We have a governor here who has taqwah (fear of Allah). Professor Zulum will ensure that justice is done no matter whose ox is gored.

“We, therefore, appeal to Borno Muslims to stop issuing death threats. We also urge the police to conduct a transparent investigation of the case. An early conclusion of the findings will inject a dose of confidence in the public. We also suggest that the state government should set up a separate panel to investigate the matter.”

 

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File photo used to illustrate story.

Some unknown gunmen on Saturday killed one policeman and four others in Bayelsa.

Vanguard reports that the incident occurred along Idema-Otuabagi Road in the Ogbia Local Government Area of the state.

File photo used to illustrate story.

Three others including a police inspector were almost killed as they were said to have sustained bullet injuries.

They are said to be receiving treatment.

The incident occurred at about 7.45 am.

Sources said the deceased policeman, identified as Asuo Osuani and the four civilians along with some others, were returning from a burial at Imago Kugbo, Rivers State, a boundary town with Bayelsa when they came under attack.

The spokesman for the Bayelsa Police Command, SP Asinim Butswat, who confirmed the development, said the police have launched a manhunt for the perpetrators of the heinous act.

He said: “On 14 May, 2022, at about 0745 hours, suspected gunmen ambushed policemen serving at Rivers Command, at Idema- Otuabagi Road, Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, while returning from the burial of a colleague, the late ASP Gilbert Sampson, at Imago Kugbo, Rivers State.

 

“The suspected gunmen opened fire at the vehicle conveying the police officers and other civilians.

“In the process PC Asuo Osuani ‘m’ and Special Constabulary Odeoye Sampson ‘m’, Mr Terry Lucky ‘m’, Jennifer Adejo ‘f’ and Asueroh Tobins ‘f’ were fatally shot and later died.

 

“While Inspector Urere Edwin, Rejoice Sampson ‘f’ and Reward Sampson ‘f’ sustained bullets injuries and are responding to treatment.

 

“The Commissioner of Police Bayelsa State Command, Mr. Ben Nebolisa Okolo, has ordered a manhunt for the gunmen who perpetrated the dastardly act. An investigation is ongoing.”

 

 

 

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The horrors of the jungle murder of Deborah Samuel by Islamic fundamentalists in Sokoto underscores the simple fact that Nigeria is caught between a looming war and a delayed revolution. No one can deny that wars have been going on scatterdly in almost all parts of the country. Yet, the rich are getting stinkingly wealthier while the poor are starkly poorer.
All indices have shown that the rich are becoming fewer and fewer as the middle class is being shrunk everyday by the stagflation that is hourly crashing the once-upon-a-time largest economy in Africa. But the ranks of the very poor are multiplying in millions daily. Aliko Dangote remains the richest in Africa. While poverty has destroyed Nigeria to the extent that ritual killings have reached a historic rise ever.
A bad economy produces a bad citizenship. When rulers get too greedy and power drunk, terrible behaviours become social and cultural norms. Sokoto as a state is highly peopled with poverty and the Aminu Tambuwal govt has refused to invest in education at all levels. 

The murder of Deborah and the attendant confidence to spit on her death and openly defend same with riots show that the way to war is getting so nearer. Aside Sokoto, several kinds of nonsensical killings are going on in multiples all over the country. The dirty political space allow all these as they know it divides the people the more and delays the true road to revolution. Now, with the murder of Deborah, the seed of ethnic and religious hatred has grown so high. This is what our rulers want. That's why Atiku Abubakar does not care about the effects of deleting the post of condemning the barbaric act in Sokoto. Shockingly, the Sultanate Council has been the most firm so far in its airing a public view condemning the act and calls for justice. 
Nigerians must think very deeply at this period. We need to be more vehemently in seeking for true change than allowing war. Its the rulers and the most barbaric that gains in times of war. We need to condemn and act against all kinds of acts that would divide us and delay the road to revolution. Whether its through the #Elections2023 or through mass actions, we need a revolution to stop all kinds of acts that encourages that barbarism in Sokoto. 
This is why we must commend and bond with the great Muslims who spoke out against the murder of Deborah Samuel. What we need now is the unity of all oppressed so that ,together, we can smash this vampire system and erect in its place everlasting monuments of equality, solidarity, and democracy!

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The parents of the late Deborah Samuel of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, have described the death of their daughter as sad and painful, saying they have left her killers to God.
The remains of Deborah were laid to rest in her hometown, Tungan Magajiya in the Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State on Saturday evening.

She was stoned to death and set ablaze on Thursday by her fellow students for allegedly making a blasphemous statement on a WhatsApp group against Prophet Mohammed.
Reacting to the death of their daughter, the bereaved parents said they had nothing to say or do regarding the loss of their child, but had decided to leave everything in the hands of God.
According to DAILY POST, the father, Emmanuel Garba, a security guard with the Niger State Water Works Cooperation at Tungan-Magajiya said, “We can say or do anything, except to take it easy as an act of God. We have left all to God, we have decided to take it like that.”
On who brought back the body of his deceased daughter from Sokoto State, the father explained that he went and brought back her remains to be buried.
“I personally went and brought back the body of my daughter to enable me to bury my own child. This is because keeping her in the morgue will not return her back.
“When I got there, I met government officials and made them understand the need to allow me to take her back home and they agreed with me. When we got to the morgue, those in charge asked me to sign the necessary documents and I did. They released the corpse to me.”
On who paid for the transportation, Garba, “I personally paid the sum of N120,000 to the driver out of many that refused to convey her back home and it is because of the condition of the remains. Most drivers we approached all refused except one.”
Confirming the call by the Sokoto State Government that the body of his daughter should not be returned home, the father of the deceased stated, “The government wanted me to leave the remains, when they called me, I said no, they should allow me to please, bury my daughter.”
Also, the mother, Mrs. Alheri Emmanuel, told the newspaper that Deborah was the second of their seven children, adding that it’s so sad to have lost her at such a young age. 
On her medical condition, the mother of the deceased explained that she was stable now after being discharged from the hospital, where she was admitted upon hearing the news of the gruesome murder of her daughter.
Amid tears, Mrs. Alheri stated, “I have nothing to say, I am grateful to God and for your efforts. I have given God my heart and may God strengthen me. We have nothing to say.
“Because of what happened to me, I will no longer send my children to schools where so much money is involved. Because of her education, the education of some of her siblings suffered as it is so difficult to care for them all at the same time. And, now things are difficult for us.”
Also, her elder brother, Nakaka Garba, when asked for his reaction, simply stated, “I have nothing to say, we are pained by what happened, but we have left all to God.”
On why their daughter answered Deborah ‘Samuel’ instead of ‘Garba’, the father further added, “she had been living with my brother since she was in primary school and had been using the name”.

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Yushau A. Shuaib

“Take the law into your hands… You need not report to any authority to kill any blasphemer!”

I was shocked to the marrow when an Imam, during a Juma’at service in one of the mosques in Abuja, ordered his followers to engage in extra-judicial killing.

As a Muslim, not only by birth but also by training and practice, I would be terribly disturbed if anyone disparages my religion or the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) whom we the faithful hold in very high esteem. Yet, in that aggrieved state of mind, I would never take the law into my hand but will rather channel my deep consternation appropriately by reporting such sacrilegious act to constituted authorities for suitable judicial measures.

In recent times, I have had to contend with a series of gory footage of extreme brutalities. I watched a video in which blindfolded captives were thrown into a deep ditch and buried alive by their tormentors who were speaking Arabic. I also saw another video in which a female soldier was violently raped in the presence of her husband, also a soldier, before they were both slaughtered by some unknown gunmen who were speaking Igbo. I have equally watched the latest video in which a female student was stoned and later burnt alive by young men speaking Hausa.

Yushau A. Shuaib

The jungle and vigilante justice of taking the law into our own hands, which is barbaric, un-Islamic and a manifestation of violent extremism, can only lead to great social upheaval and chaos. The geneses of some of the crises we are facing in Nigeria today – especially banditry, terrorism and violent secessionist agitations – were extra-judicial killings involving state and non-state actors.

Sometimes in 2014, an Islamic scholar fainted and later had a stroke during a counseling visitation to a detention camp, where terrorists were kept by security forces. The scholar, in a delegation of other clerics sponsored by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), had encountered a Boko Haram operative, who was notorious as a butcher and known to have slaughtered many people, in captivity.

When the scholar queried the young killer over the motivation for his homicidal sprees, the fellow claimed to have only been following the instructions of his teacher, who also happened to be in custody at that point in time.

When tasked to cite any verse of the Holy Quran or the Hadith – the sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) – to gauge the level of Islamic understanding behind his thinking, the Boko Haram leader was rather vacuous and claimed to have read all he knew from another Arabic book, and not the holy scripts.

Meanwhile, a judgment in a celebrated case of blasphemy in Nigeria, delivered by a panel of the Supreme Court in October 2007, upheld the death by hanging sentence of Muslim men, Musa Yaro, Abubakar Dan Shalla and others, for the brutal murder of one Alhaji Abdullahi Umaru of Randali village in Kebbi, for allegedly blaspheming against Prophet Mohammed (SAW).

The current Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad and the first female CJN Aloma Mariam Mukhtar both Northern Muslims were among the justices of the apex court who delivered a unanimous judgment on that incident, which happened in Kebbi State on in June 1999.

The other justices that decided on the matter included former CJN, Walter Onnoghen, Sylvester Umaru Onu and George Oguntade.

The convicts had earlier been found guilty of murder and sentenced to death by the High Court in Kebbi and an Appeal Court, before the judgment was finally ratified by the Supreme Court.

In his pronouncement, Justice Tanko pointed out that: “Islam is not a primitive religion that allows its adherents to take the law into their own hands and to commit jungle justice.

"Instead, there is a judicial system in Islam, which hears and determines cases, including the trial of criminal offences and anybody accused of committing an offence against the religion or against a fellow citizen should be taken to the court (either a Sharia or a secular/common law court) for adjudication.

"It is only when a person is convicted and sentenced by a court of law that he will be liable to a punishment which will be carried out by an appropriate authority (i.e. the prison).”

He further stated that the accused persons “were merely a bunch of bloodthirsty militants or religious fundamentalists who were all out to satisfy their vindictive zeal against the deceased.”

The life stories of the peace-loving Prophet Muhammad (SAW) were those of a great man, who was mocked, insulted, defamed, cursed, and physically attacked for his faith in Islam – all of which he responded to with patience, forbearance, mercy, and forgiveness of those who had offended him. There are many authentic Hadiths buttressing his peaceful nature, which should teach Muslims the importance of tolerance, kindness and a sense of brotherliness.

The Qur'an, the Hadiths and Shariah law generally do not endorse or justify gross acts of vigilante violence, jungle justice and extra-judicial killings.

In many verses of the Holy Quran, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and Muslims are enjoined by the Almighty Allah to be patient and to increase their acts of tolerance and worship.

For instance, the following verses in the Quran explain it better:

“Be patient over what they say and avoid them with gracious avoidance.” [Surah al-Muzzamil, 73:10] and “So be patient over what they say and exalt with the praises of your Lord before the rising of the sun and before its setting.” [Surah Qaf, 50:39]

The Quran also warns Muslim against revenge when they are insulted. It states that “We already know that your heart is constrained by what they say, so glorify the praises of your Lord and be among those who prostrate.” [Surah al-Hijr, 15:97-98].

“You will surely be tested in your possessions and in yourselves, and you will surely hear from those who were given the Scripture before you and from those who associate others with Allah much abuse. But if you are patient and fear Allah, that is of the matters requiring resolve.” [Surah Ali Imran, 3:186]

“When you see those who engage in offensive discourse concerning Our verses, then turn away from them until they enter into another conversion.” [Surah al-An’am, 6:68]

“It has already been revealed to you in the Book that when you hear the verses of Allah, they are denied and ridiculed. So do not sit with them until they enter into another conversation. Verily, you would then be like them.” [Surah al-Nisa’, 4:140]

“They said: We will surely be patient with whatever harm you cause us, and let them rely who would rely upon Allah.” [Surah Ibrahim, 14:12]

As a proud Muslim, I know that one of the great Jihads in Islam is to preach love, peace, and tolerance, and spread the authentic teachings of Islam through the Quran and the exemplary conduct of our greatest role model, the noble Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

It is necessary to caution Northerners in the region that currently faces banditry and terrorism to address the plight of ignorant and jobless youth who, if care is not taken, may declare some days in a week for sit-at-home, just as it regularly happens in the South-East.

Although I have received death threats on social media over my Islamic Daawah of peace and tolerance lately, I nevertheless console myself with the verse in the Quran that says: “Show forgiveness, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant.” [Surah Al-A’raf, 7:199]

This is the real teaching of Islam, not jungle justice.

Yushau A. Shuaib is a graduate of Mass Communication and Islamic Studies
www.YAShuaib.com yashuaib@yahoo.com 

 

 

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Landlords at Gideon village in Ibafo community, Ogun State have staged a peaceful protest at the Christ Embassy's campground in Asese community, Obafemi-Owode council area of the state over allegations of "land-grabbing, trespass and oppression by the church's representatives".
Chirst Embassy, also known as LoveWorld Incorporated or Believers' Loveworld, is a megachurch founded by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome. 

The protesters came out on Sunday in large numbers armed with placards with different inscriptions
such as "Oyakhilome leave our land alone", "Land grabbing is a sin, stop harassing us", "Christ Embassy, don't cause religious crisis in Ibafo" and many others called on both the state and federal governments to as a matter of urgency and importance intervene in the matter to nip in the bud the brewing land crisis, which could lead to violence in a matter of days.'

According to the protesters, an alleged attempt by Christ Embassy Church to illegally and forcefully seize their landed properties was followed by provocation on Thursday, May 5, 2022 when the church’s representatives stormed the site of an ongoing building works belonging to CityCode Mortgage Bank Limited, with two policemen and more than 60 thugs. 
The thugs allegedly wielded all sorts of dangerous weapons, wounding and whisking many workers on site away. 
The action informed the residents' mass protest.
 
The protesters said, trouble, however, started when assailants stormed the company’s worksite, started shooting sporadically, descended on workers and anybody in sight, beating and using harmful objects on them and forcefully dragging them into vehicles they came with, saying that the commotion and shooting sent panic throughout the community, prompting some of the landlords and residents to resolve that the constant harassment must be stopped.

Speaking with SaharaReporters during the protest, some of the landlords who simply identified themselves as Azeez Salami, Emmanuel Ndubuisi Osuwa and Matthew Adedayo Eyinade, condemned the action of the church. 
They alleged that in trying to forcefully take their land, the church had twice pulled down the CityCode’s fences in 2019 and again with swamp boogie in October 2021 and to date, the church has vehemently refused to rebuild the fences or paid compensation.

According to them, their fathers sold the land to CityCode in 2004 and there had been no dispute about that until Christ Embassy came to inform them that they were having a dispute with the Redeemed church and that after their settlement, they were assigned a swathe of land and wondered why Christ Embassy will still come and being to grab and trespass their fathers land illegally and in a crude manner.

Alhaji Momoh, who expressed displeasure, stated that “These churches, Redeemed and Christ Embassy, are trying to provoke us, believing we are helpless and nothing will happen. I am a retired civil servant and I know what it took me and how many years to build my house. We are free with CityCode, which was magnanimous enough to stay because from the record we have, they have the C of O in this area. We are not supposed to have any issue with any church, apart from CityCode.

"There are some among them who will buy land in the name of the church, but they actually share the lands among themselves to resell and make so much money. I have seen that in Redeemed very clearly. Government should rise and checkmate these people because this can lead to a crisis. We all have titles to our properties, I know not less than ten landlords here with their valid C of O, I have seen them, so what are they talking about?”

Speaking in the same vein, another landlord in the community who identified himself as Alhaji Momoh, alleged that the churches in the area are bent on setting the area on fire by their actions, believing nothing will happen. 
He called on the state and federal governments to come to their aid and investigate the matter in order to avoid any breakdown of law and order in the area.

Addressing the protesters on behalf of the Christ Embassy Church, an official of the church and Chief Security Officer (CSO), Ighodalo Ozazuwa, told the protesters that they would be attended to but noted that the community had said a lot of things against the interest of the church. 
"I won't respond. The matter is in court and it's being handled," he said. 
 

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ONI AND FAYEMI

The governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi has been accused of diverting all the deductions from the salaries of workers in the state, amounting to billions of Naira to the campaign funding of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the June 18 governorship election in the state, Biodun Oyebamji.
The Director, Media and Publicity, Segun Oni Campaign Organisation (SOCO), Jackson Adebayo, made this known in a statement in Ado Ekiti on Sunday.

ONI AND FAYEMI
Adebayo alleged that all the deductions from March 2021 to date were paid to the Biodun Oyebamji Campaign Organisation.
He alleged that the diversions had made it impossible for civil servants and other public workers to access loans from the Nigerian government mortgage scheme where the money deducted from workers' salaries ought to have been remitted.
According to SOCO, the unremitted deductions by Ekiti State Government include that of co-operatives which have not been paid to the various societies since January this year, thus making it difficult for members to get loans or withdraw their money to solve their immediate financial problems.
"Apart from this, deductions to different financial institutions where workers obtained loans were not remitted to the appropriate institution while those that are supposed to have finished their loan repayment are still paying to these financial institutions since the ones deducted through government are not remitted,” the statement said.
Adebayo added that the National Housing funds have suffered the same fate as the last remittance that the state made to the bank was in May 2021.
The organisation lambasted the governor for his alleged insensitivity, knowing that the body is supposed to be giving loans to workers as it is being done in other states and at the federal level. 
It said since monies deducted from workers by the state government have not been remitted, Ekiti workers are being deprived of getting the loans.
"Even those workers who retired could not get their contributions back since their money did not get to the national housing fund that is supposed to give the loans or payback to the retired workers,” it said.
Adebayo equally said that monies deducted for the labour unions were not remitted to the unions since January this year also.
The organisation called on the governor to as matter of urgency withdraw all the aforementioned money which he had allegedly diverted to the Biodun Abayomi Oyebamji campaign organisation (BAO) account immediately and paid to the appropriate institutions so that Ekiti workers could also enjoy the fruit of their labour.
However, Governor Fayemi’s Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, could not be reached for comments as calls put across to his mobile line by SaharaReporters were not answered nor returned.
A text message also sent to his line was not replied to at the time of this report. 

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The Christian Association of Nigeria (Youth Wing) has warned that any politician who fails to mourn or condemn the gruesome murder of Miss Deborah Samuel, who was killed by a mob over alleged blasphemy, should forget about their votes in the 2023 general elections. 
The youth group condemned the killing of Deborah by fellow students of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto. 

Ms Samuel was killed by the mob, who also burnt her body. 
A statement signed by Belusochukwu Enwere, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (Youth Wing) on Sunday, lamented that most of the presidential aspirants campaigning to lead the nation have failed to condemn the barbaric action. 
The statement reads, "Today is the 4th day Miss Deborah Samuel was killed by Muslim extremist students who chose to take the laws into their hands and yet most of our Nigerian political class who are gunning to lead us as a country failed to condemn or to commiserate with the bereaved family. 
"Even after killing Deborah, the miscreants continued to destroy people's properties, burning church facilities and going from house to house intimidating peaceful Christians. The security agencies should do the needful before this becomes a religious war.
"This is nauseating and disheartening indeed. Any politician who failed to mourn with the nation especially the Christians in this sorrowful time should forget our votes in 2023. We will mobilize Christian youths across the nooks and crannies of the country to ensure that such persons are stopped because he or she will be a misrepresentation of the nation. Nigeria is a secular state, not a religious nation. 
"We call on all Christian youths to continue to be peaceful and not take laws into their hands. God must surely fight to avenge the killing of Deborah. Her death will unearth the evil agenda of the wicked ones in Nigeria."  

 

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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced José Santos Peseiro as the new Head Coach of the Super Eagles, the country's senior men's national team.
The NFF announced the appointment on Sunday, saying his appointment is with immediate effect but subject to the signing of agreed terms between the coach and the football federation.

The NFF said Mr Peseiro, 62, will take charge of the Super Eagles starting with friendlies with Mexico and Ecuador later in May.
It, however, failed to disclose the duration of the Portuguese coach's appointment. 
Mr Peseiro has coached clubs and national teams in four continents— Europe, Asia, Africa and South America.
He has coached at Sporting Lisbon, FC Porto, Panathinaikos, Rapid Bucharest, Sporting Braga, Victoria Gumaraes, Al-Hilal, Al-Wahda, Al-Ahly Cairo, Sharjah FC and Real Madrid (assistant coach during the Galacticos era), and worked as Head Coach of the Saudi Arabian and Venezuelan national teams.
Peseiro is expected to lead out the Super Eagles for the first time against Mexico at the AT & T Stadium in Dallas, Texas on May 28. 
From there, the team will fly to New Jersey to face Ecuador at the Red Bull Arena in Harrison on Thursday, June 2.
The NFF also announced that former Nigerian international forward, Finidi George will now be the First Assistant to Peseiro, with Salisu Yusuf to be the Second Assistant as well as Head Coach of the CHAN and U23 National Teams. 
Usman Abdallah is the Third Assistant while Eboboritse Uwejamomere will be the Match Analyst and another former Nigeria international, Ike Shorounmu will be the Goalkeepers’ Trainer.
Peseiro succeeds Augustine Eguavoen who failed to qualify the Super Eagles for the 2022 World Cup holding in Qatar.  

 

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Humanists are outraged by the gruesome murder of a female college student in Sokoto in Northern Nigeria. Such a horrific act is a sordid reminder of the threat of Islamic extremism in Nigeria. Muslim students at Shehu Shagari College of Education accused a Hausa Christian, Deborah Yakubu, of blasphemy; they beat their colleague to death and burnt the corpse. Ms. Yakubu reportedly protested against posting religious messages on the student Whatsapp platform. Her protest angered some Muslim students who mobilized and subsequently killed her.
The brutal killing of Ms. Yakubu is not an isolated incident. Many Muslims and non-Muslims adjudged to have insulted Islam or its prophet have suffered a similar fate in the region. In 2007, some Muslim students in Gombe lynched their female Christian teacher for desecrating the Quran. There have been other violent attacks and murders of alleged blasphemers in Muslim-dominated areas in Kano, Niger, and other parts of Islamic Northern Nigeria. Persons accused of blasphemy have been sentenced to death by sharia courts in Kano. Others like Nigerian Humanist, Mubarak Bala, have been given long prison sentences. Muslim clerics and state officials have openly and publicly endorsed the execution of blasphemers.
For instance, in 2015, Islamic theocrat, Bashir Ahmad tweeted this comment after a sharia court sentenced nine persons for blasphemy: "I cannot pretend or keep silent. I support the death penalty for blasphemy. That is my belief and I will never support #SaveKanoNine". So it is patently untrue and misleading for anyone to say that the brutal murder of Ms. Yakubu and other blasphemy-related attacks, sanctions, and bloodletting in Northern Nigeria have nothing to do with religion. No, they do. As the case of this Christian woman has shown, these bloodletters are usually motivated by their religious belief in the prophet of Islam; Islamic teachings and orientations, and by their quest to placate Allah and inherit the paradise in the hereafter.

So if Nigeria wants to end these horrific attacks and killings, it should take a critical look at how Islam is professed and practised in Northern Nigeria. Nigeria needs to determine if Islam is a religion or a death cult; if Muslims operate within the law or above the law and if Islamic privilege is a state policy. Look, Islam has a history of violence and bloodletting that persists. The government must admit that jihadist Islam is entrenched and pervasive. Boko Haram militants are not only in the Sambisa forest. Islamic extremists exist and operate in several mosques, courts, police, and army stations. Boko Haram jihadists and their sympathizers are not a small minority as some people claim. They populate government houses, schools, colleges, and universities.
So it is high time Nigeria confronted this big elephant in the room, that is Islamic extremism. Muslim leaders should stop living in denial; they should stop pretending that jihadist Islam is not a huge problem. Muslim leaders should stop deceiving the world and saying that blasphemy killings and attacks have nothing to do with religion, in this case, Islam. No, these killings have everything to do with Islam as practised in Northern Nigeria. And the way Islam is preached and practised in Northern Nigeria must change. The government must address this toxic tendency and habit that makes Muslims value their religious and prophetic icons more than human lives. Nigeria must tackle this savage and dreadful inclination of Muslims to kill, attack or maim others at the slightest provocation. Nigerian authorities should monitor the activities of Muslim clerics because these religious actors use their preaching and Quranic indoctrination programmes to radicalise young Muslims and turn them into merchants of hate, violence, death, and destruction. The government should protect the rights of those who criticize the teachings and traditions of Islam and its prophet because it is through a critical examination of Islamic doctrines and practices that these extremist ideas and tendencies could be exposed and expunged. 
Nigeria should take measures to end impunity and ensure that those who indulge in blasphemy-related attacks or killings are brought to justice. Those who carry out these barbaric acts should not go scot-free. They are murderers and criminals and should be arrested, prosecuted, and jailed to serve as a deterrent to others. Usually, when Muslims attack or kill for blasphemy, no arrest is made. In cases where arrests are made, nobody is prosecuted; and in situations where some are charged to court, they are later acquitted. This culture of impunity must end if Nigeria must make progress in this 21st century. There should be serious consequences for blasphemy-related attacks. The Nigerian government should repeal blasphemy laws because as long as there are provisions that criminalize insults on religion, freedom of religion or belief and freedom of expression will not be guaranteed and these savage attacks in the name of Allah or Prophet Muhammad will continue.

 

 

Opinion AddThis :  Original Author :  Leo Igwe Disable advertisements : 

The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, South-East zone on Sunday, advised President Muhammadu Buhari to learn from how the late President Umaru Yar'Adua handled some critical situations as Nigeria's leader. 
The PFN asked Buhari to reconsider his hard stance on the incarceration of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.

Buhari's administration has insisted that it will allow the courts to decide Kanu's fate.
But speaking during a prayer rally organised by the PFN in Enugu, the National Vice Chairman (South-East) of the Christian body, Bishop Maxwell Korie, said the stand of the Nigerian Government is not in anyone's interest.
The cleric, who expressed worry over the level of insecurity in the zone, identified dialogue as the solution to the problems.
He said, "We are deeply concerned with the level of insecurity in the South-East zone and having reviewed the situation, we urge the Federal Government to invite the agitation groups to a dialogue table to negotiate what their issues and misgivings are. 
"The past administration of the late President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua used dialogue to solve the problems of the Niger Delta region. So, we advise the incumbent administration of Muhammadu Buhari to borrow a leaf from the Yar'Adua administration.
"This is the sure and fastest way towards resolving these issues."
Speaking on the 2023 presidential election, he restated the PFN's stand that the body would vote against any political party that fielded a Muslim-Muslim ticket.
He said, "Any joint ticket of two Muslims in the office of the President and the Vice President in the forthcoming 2023 general elections, shall not be tolerated, it is dead on arrival.
"All the political parties should take note of this, especially the two major political parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)."
"All PFN blocs have already been instructed to mobilise and vote against such a political part that fields two Muslims in the Presidential election come 2023," he added.
He disclosed that the solemn Assembly and prayer rally was borne out of the vision that God gave to the National President of the PFN, Bishop Francis Wale Oke.
He stated that it is the responsibility of the church of Jesus Christ to preserve Nigeria as one single entity and prevent it (Nigeria) from destruction.
In his remarks, the Enugu State Chairman of PFN, Bishop Godwin Madu urged Christians not to despair but to remain prayerful and resolute.




  

 

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The youth wing of the Igbo apex socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council has condemned Saturday's attacks on Igbo residents in Sokoto State.
It, however, threatened to retaliate if such happens in future. 

Viral videos show how businesses belonging to Igbos in Sokoto were attacked by Muslims protesting against the arrest of two suspects involved in the recent killing of Miss Deborah Samuel, a Christian female student accused of blasphemy.
Scores of protesters could be seen destroying and looting shops supposedly belonging to Southeasterners.
A statement issued by Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council on Sunday said it was enraged that Ndigbo could become the subject of attacks over an issue they knew nothing about.
The statement signed by its President, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, said the action of Sokoto youths was provocative. 
While describing the attack as unacceptable, Okwu charged Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal to ensure that there would be no repeat of such a “mindless attack and all destroyed businesses paid for".
The statement partly read, “We are enraged that Ndigbo are once more victims of an unprovoked attack in Sokoto State over an issue that has to do with a Christian student from Niger State.
“It is quite sad that Ndigbo have remained endangered species in Nigeria, justifying the quest for secession by separatist groups led by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.
“The news we are getting from Sokoto, which we have confirmed to be true, is totally unacceptable and we demand that there should be no repeat of such carnage.
“Governor Aminu Tambuwal must see to it that Ndigbo and their properties are protected in Sokoto State. Any further attack on them will come with dire consequences. We also demand that those whose properties were looted must be compensated by the government.
“Ndigbo have suffered so much in this country and we are warning that enough is enough. If they repeat this aggression against our people in the North, it would come with a commensurate reaction."

 

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The Christian Association of Nigeria (19 Northern States and Abuja) has expressed deep sadness over the gruesome murder of Miss Deborah Samuel, a female student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto for alleged blasphemy.
CAN (19 Northern States and Abuja), which is the umbrella organisation of all Christians in Northern Nigeria, condemned the killing of Ms Deborah "in the strongest terms possible", saying the fate of some Egyptians in the Red Sea, as narrated in the Bible, will befall her killers and collaborators. 

A statement signed by Chaplain Jechonia Gilbert, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of CAN (19 Northern States and Abuja) and dated Sunday, May 15, 2022, called the Nigerian and Sokoto governments to bring the culprits to justice. 
It advised Christian parents across Nigeria not to send their children to schools in Sokoto and other states hostile to Christians till the respective governments can protect them. 
It said, "While CAN does not and will not encourage casting aspersions on any Religion or religious leader of any faith, CAN frowns on hiding under the gab of any religious extremism to perpetrate any form of criminality against her members, especially in Northern Nigeria. 
"God Almighty is not and can never be a weak God for a mere mortal to fight and defend Him. On the contrary, it is He who keeps, watches and defends us. CAN believe that life is sacred and must never be taken by another unless directed by the State. 
"The CAN (19 Northern States and Abuja) is calling on the Federal Government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari and the Sokoto State government under governor Aminu Tambuwal not to resort to the government's usual rhetoric but must demonstrate political will and capacity to bring the perpetrators of this criminality to justice; otherwise, others may take a cue from this and turn our fatherland to a country of lawlessness at every slightest provocation. 
"CAN believes that Nigeria is a country governed by the rule of law and order. Therefore, any act of lawlessness and criminality must not be swept under the carpet. CAN, 19 Northern States, is calling on every Christian parent across the nation especially, Northern states to discourage sending their children to any school in Sokoto State, pending when the Federal and State governments are ready and willing to secure the lives of our children both in Sokoto and other states that are hostile to Christians and Christianity. 
"We are urging all Christian leaders to terminate their participation in Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), until their counterparts of Islamic faith show commitment to tame their followers on equal terms. Northern CAN prays for the immediate family and indeed the church of the late Deborah Samuel not to lose hope in God's ability to avenge the death of their daughter. We appeal and counsel those who feel and think that killing and oppressing Christians is a demonstration of their service to their God to learn from history. Those that tried it in Egypt and their experiences should be enough warning. There is a Red Sea awaiting them, even those who are secretly encouraging them, must partake in the Red Sea experience."

 

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Fresh bids by drug cartels to export Tramadol, Ecstasy MDMA and Cannabis to Milan, Italy and Dubai, the United Arab Emirates through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Ikeja, Lagos have been foiled by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. 
The Anti-narcotics Agency also seized 203, 879 tablets of various pharmaceutical opioids and illicit substances during raids on Abia, Kaduna, Yobe and Kogi states. 

The spokesperson for NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.
At the Lagos airport, a female passenger, Odia Emiliana Efe was arrested on Monday, 9th May while trying to board a Royal Air Moroc flight from Lagos via Casablanca to Milan, Italy with 1, 000 tablets of Tramadol 200mg concealed in food items, the statement added.
Babafemi said, “Five days after, Friday, 13th May, a freight agent, Kareem Ibrahim was arrested at the SAHCO cargo shed of the airport for attempting to export food items in which were hidden blocks of cannabis weighing 6.65kg and 24grams of ecstasy drug, MDMA to Dubai in UAE.
“In Abia, three trucks loaded with drugs coming from Lagos and Onitsha, Anambra were intercepted in Aba, Abia state. When properly searched in the presence of the owners on Wednesday, 11th May, 67,100 tablets/capsules of Tramadol and 12,650 ampules of pentazocine, morphine and dopamine were recovered.
"On the same day, NDLEA operatives in Kaduna arrested a notorious drug dealer, Shehu Kabiru, aka Dan-Zaira, wanted by the Kastina Command of the Agency for jumping bail. Recovered from him include 45,000 tablets of Diazepam weighing 41.5kg; 50,000 tablets of Exol, weighing 15.6kg; 1,500 tablets of Rohypnol weighing 700 grams and 300 bottles of codeine weighing 41.5kg.
“In Yobe state, no fewer than 7,029 tablets of Tramadol, D5, and Exol, as well as 1.5kg cannabis, were recovered from a drug dealer, Ibrahim Yakubu when his hideout was raided in Unguru town on Sunday 8th May, while in Rivers state, one Chekiri Richard Obomanu was arrested at Eleme area on Wednesday, 11th May with 207.2kg cannabis.
“No less than 19,600 tablets of Tramadol coming from Onitsha, Anambra state to Abuja were intercepted and recovered along Okene/Abuja highway on Wednesday, 11th May by NDLEA operatives in Kogi state.
“Meanwhile, five members of a syndicate, which conducts fake recruitment into security agencies, have been arrested in coordinated operations in Zamfara, Kebbi and Bauchi states. Leader of the gang, Yakubu Sani was first arrested in Gusau, Zamfara state. His criminal gang issues fake NDLEA employment letters and identity cards to unsuspecting members of the public for the sum of N400, 000 per person.
“A follow-up operation in Zuru, Kebbi state led to the arrest of another gang member, Ibrahim Isah, while three others; Dahiru Musa Limanchi, Gambo Danladi and Umar Abubakar, were nabbed in Bauchi state. Recovered from them include a fake NDLEA ID card; NDLEA guarantor form; INEC offer of appointment letter; Nigerian Customs Special Replacement Form and appointment letter; Nigerian Correctional Service Replacement Form; credentials of some applicants; receipts and passport photos; five SIM packs and one MTN SIM card.”

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Zahra Buhari-Indimi, daughter of President Muhammadu Buhari has shared a video of Saudi Islamic scholar, Sheikh Assim Al-Hakeem, teaching Muslims how to react to people who insult the Prophet. 
In the video, Sheikh Al-Hakeem advised Muslims to desist from taking matters into their own hands when there is a case of blasphemy against the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). 

Zahra reposted a few seconds of the video on her Instagram stories on Sunday, in response to the gruesome murder of a female Christian student in Sokoto, Deborah Samuel, for alleged blasphemy on Thursday. 
She was killed by her fellow students who are Muslims, and her body was also burnt. 
Her remains were laid to rest in her hometown, Tunga Magajiya, in the Rijau local government area of Niger State on Saturday 
Sheikh Al-Hakeem is said to be one of the prominent propagators of Islam in English in Saudi Arabia.
The Imam said, "This depends if you are in a Muslim country. This is a major offence that requires the intervention of the Muslim ruler. You simply report these individuals to the court or to the Muslim ruler. 
“It’s the duty of the Muslim ruler to execute after going through the legislative processes and going in front of a panel of judges."

“You must not take matters into your own hands because this will turn the community into a jungle,” he said.

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Payton Gendron, an 18-year-old white man, has shot dead 10 people in a black neighbourhood of New York state.
Three others were wounded in an attack described as racially motivated.

Eleven of the victims were Black, and two were white, according to officials.

Gendron drove more than 200 miles to mount his attack, which he also live-streamed, CNN reports.
Joseph Gramaglia, Buffalo police commissioner, said the suspect killed nine customers and a retired police officer working as an armed security guard.
“He exited his vehicle. He was very heavily armed. He had tactical gear. He had a tactical helmet on. He had a camera that he was live-streaming what he was doing,” Gramaglia said.
Stephen Belongia, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Buffalo field office, told reporters that the shooting is being investigated as “both a hate crime and a case of racially motivated violent extremism”.
US President Joe Biden condemned what he called an “abhorrent” act.
Gendron has now been arraigned on a charge of first-degree murder, which carries a sentence of life without parole. He is being held without bail.  

 

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The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Mathew Kukah, on Saturday said he is safe after protests rocked parts of Sokoto city over the detention of two persons linked to the gruesome killing of Deborah Samuel.
This was contained in a statement on Saturday signed by the Director, Social Communications of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Rev. Fr Christopher Omotosho.

Omotosho noted that Kukah’s residence was not attacked though rampaging hoodlums vandalised and torched two of the parishes presided over by the preacher.
The statement read, “The Sokoto State Government has declared 24-hour curfew to help stem the ongoing protests embarked upon by Muslim youth in the state capital today.
“During the protest, groups of youths led by some adults in the background attacked the Holy Family Catholic Cathedral at Bello Way, destroying church glass windows, those of the Bishop Lawton Secretariat were also attacked and a community bus parked within the premises vandalised.
“St. Kevin’s Catholic Church Gidan Dere, Eastern By-pass, was also attacked and partly burnt; windows of the new hospital complex under construction, in the same premises were shattered.
“They were promptly dispersed by a team of Mobile policemen before they could do further damage.
“The hoodlums also attacked the Bakhita Centre located along Aliyu Jodi Road and burnt down a bus within the premises.”
He noted that there will be no Mass in Sokoto metropolis until the curfew is lifted.
Deborah, a student of the Shehu Shagari College of Education, was lynched and burnt by a mob on Thursday over allegations of blasphemy.
The police said two suspects had been arrested in connection to her gruesome murder. 
Hundreds of placard-carrying Muslim youths protested in Sokoto on Saturday morning and demanded the release of the two suspects.
The Muslim protesters clashed with security operatives who fired shots to disperse the surging demonstrators.
Governor Aminu Tambuwal subsequently imposed a curfew on the state amid rising tension.

 

 

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The family of the abducted Dapchi schoolgirl, Leah Sharibu, have again cried out to the international community to help secure her release.
They have asked Britain and the United States to put pressure on the Nigerian government to rescue Sharibu, who has been held by Boko Haram terrorists for five years.

They made the passionate appeal on Saturday in Yola, Adamawa State capital, as they marked the 19th birthday and 5th year of Sharibu in captivity.
Sharibu has been married to a top Boko Haram commander and had delivered a baby boy, according to a source close to the terrorists.
SaharaReporters reporters on January 25, 2020, reported that Leah Sharibu, a Christian girl kidnapped and held in Boko Haram captivity for over one year, had given birth to a baby boy. 
On January 26, SaharaReporters updated that Ahmad Salkida, a journalist who reports on terrorism, disclosed that indeed Leah Sharibu was now a mother. 
However, speaking for the family on her 19th birthday, Dr Gloria Puldu, urged President Muhammadu Buhari not to renege on his promise to bring Sharibu back home to her parents.
She expressed concern that President Buhari might have given up on the rescue plan and possibly abandoned the teenager in terrorists' captivity, seeing that the tenure of his administration was winding down.
She said, "It's been five years now since Leah Sharibu was abducted by the Boko Haram insurgents at the Government Girls Science and Technical College Dapchi in Yobe state. 
"Other abducted girls have been released by their abductors except for Leah who refused to denounce her faith and convert to Islam.
"The president has made repeated promises to secure her release since then, but as it looks, it appears our daughter has been abandoned. This administration has just a year to go and it would be a year of politicking and campaigns.
"It feels so painful that Leah is still with the terrorists, that's why we're appealing to the international community to help talk to Buhari. I think the United Kingdom, the United States and their allies can help get the girl back home to us." 
Sharibu was abducted three months before she turned 15 by Boko Haram along with 109 other schoolgirls on February 19, 2018. While all the other girls have been released, Leah was held back for refusing to convert to Islam.

 

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The National Assembly has asked the Supreme Court of Nigeria to strike out the suit instituted by President Muhammadu Buhari and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN) over Section 84 (12) of the Electoral (Amendment) Act, 2022.
Buhari and Malami had in the suit marked SC/CV/504/2022 and filed on April 29, 2022, removed the clause in the electoral act.

The duo told the apex court that the Section 84 (12) of the Electoral (Amendment) Act, 2022 is inconsistent with the provisions of sections 42, 65, 66, 106, 107, 131, 137, 147, 151, 177, 182, 192 and 196 of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, (as amended), as well Article 2 of the African Charter on Human and People and Peoples Rights.
They are seeking an order of the court to strike out the section of the Act, which they said was inconsistent with the nation’s constitution.
President Buhari had on February 25, 2022, signed the electoral bill into law with a caveat that the section should be deleted in order to deepen democracy in the country.
But the National Assembly in March threw out the President’s request and insisted that serving political appointees must resign before contesting elections.
Malami, who also opposed the lawmakers’ decision, vowed that the Nigerian government would explore other means, including the court to ensure the provision that he claimed offended other sections of the constitution, was expunged from the amended Act.
However, the National Assembly in its counter-affidavit filed by its lawyer, Kayode Ajulo said the Supreme Court cannot be invoked to amend the provision of any law validity made by lawmakers in the exercise of their legislative powers as granted by the Nigerian constitution.
They argued that the 1999 Constitution as amended gave the National Assembly the power to make laws for good governance in Nigeria.
The court document obtained by SaharaReporters read, “We submit that the 1st Plaintiff having on Friday, 25th February, 2022 signed the Electoral Bill, 2022 into law in accordance with the Constitution, cannot approbate at the same time by making a U-turn by using the machinery of this Honorable Court as enshrined in Section 232 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and the Supreme Court (Additional Jurisdiction) Act of 2002 to partly undo that which by the provision of Section 58 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended) has been done.
“By assenting to the passage of the Electoral Bill, 2022 into law, the 1st Plaintiff has conclusively discharged his duty under the Constitution and there is no basis to attempting to undo that which he has done by virtue of his powers under Section 58 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).
“We submit that the act complained of is a joint and voluntary act of the 1st Plaintiff and the Defendant in the exercise of his powers to assent to a bill for Act of the National Assembly as provided by the provisions of Section 58(4) and (5) of Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended). 
“My Lords, we must commend the audacious attempt by the Plaintiffs to build a castle in the air. However, we must be guided by our knowledge of the law of physics and dynamics of our mortal would in calling the Plaintiffs to order so as to prevent the impending waste of state resources by embarking on what should be ordinarily be found within the infantile imagination of a six-year-old who is still exploring the infant probabilities of overindulgence in Marvel comics.
“The original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court cannot be invoked to amend the provision of any law validity made by the National Assembly in the exercise of the legislative powers granted it by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).
“The suit as constituted neither discloses nor raises any question of law or fact which may give rise to the existence or extent of a legal right in favour of the office of the 1st Plaintiff/Respondent. 
“The original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court as contained in Section 232(1) of the Constitution of the FRN 1999 (as amended) and section 1(1)(A) of the Supreme Court (Additional jurisdiction) Act. No. 3 2002 cannot be invoked to institute an action for the enforcement of human rights as enshrined in the African Charter on Human and People and Peoples Rights.” 

 

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At least 10 persons have been arrested in connection to the gruesome murder of a sound engineer, identified as David, in Lagos. 

 

David was lynched and burnt to death, allegedly by a group of Hausa men due to a misunderstanding with a commercial motorcyclist, popularly called Okada rider, over N100. 

Two friends of David, identified as Frank and Philip, were also allegedly beaten till they became unconscious. They are said to be receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital. 

"10 people have been arrested in connection with the murder they are presently in Maroko police station in Oniru," a source told SaharaReporters on Sunday. 

 

It was learnt that things got heated up and resulted in a fight between David and one of the commercial motorcyclists. 

 

According to sources, the situation soon degenerated as more motorcyclists allegedly pounced on David and his friends, beating them till they became unconscious. 

#JusticeforDavid has been created on social media platforms to demand justice for David, said to have been killed by a mob of commercial motorcyclists of northern extraction in Lagos. 

 

David, who was said to be a sound engineer, was on his way home from a club when the incident occurred at Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, a few days ago. 

A video obtained by SaharaReporters shows the deceased was being beaten alongside yet-to-be-identified men, said to be David's friends. 

 

David's friends, Frank (saxophonist) and Philip (keyboardist) are said to be fighting for their lives in an undisclosed hospital. 

 

A tweet by Ufuoma (@thecoloredpen), said, "#JusticeforDavid killed in Lagos over #100 change #JusticeForDeborahSamuel killed in Sokoto #JusticeforPhillipandFrank fighting for their lives in the hospital. 

 

Nigeria Nigeria Nigeria   https://t.co/qfoxlRQGGb." 

 

She added, "A group of musicians in Lagos had "regular" to play at Beer-bar along Admiralty road that evening. The sound engineer and keyboard player who mounted the same bike had an argument with the okada man (an aboki guy) which resulted in what became a cold-blooded night. 

 

"The other okada riders (that were of the same tribe) came out and tried to avenge their "brother". To cut the long story short, try were beaten to a pulp and the sound engineer lost his life right there. "As if that was not enough, the sound engineer was burnt right there on the road. To make matters worse, the saxophonist that was to play for the night heard about what was happening while the fight just ensued and he went to try to settle not having a full grasp of what was really going on. 

#JusticeforDavid killed in Lagos over #100 change #JusticeForDeborahSamuel killed in Sokoto #JusticeforPhillipandFrank fighting for their life in the hospital

Nigeria Nigeria Nigeria 😭😭😭😭 https://t.co/iTnwikI2rc pic.twitter.com/qfoxlRQGGb

— Ufuoma (@thecoloredpen) May 14, 2022

"On getting there, he was also beaten to a pulp. The saxophonist (Frank) and the keyboardist (Philip) had to be taken to the emergency unit of the hospital where they were later admitted. Philip plays for D'banj Frank plays for Phyno."

Going on at admiralty way lekki phase 1.

What’s going on in this country sef🤦🏽‍♂️💔 pic.twitter.com/bwQSBm3Zi9

— UPDATEBOYZ  (@Updateboyx) May 12, 2022

The incident was also confirmed by someone who described himself as a friend of the deceased. 

You guys should be very careful out here this sh*t just happen now on my way going to the studio. Along admiralty way lekki phase 1 pic.twitter.com/ANdeHtaItu

— Nyerhovwo🇳🇬 (@Nyerhovwo__) May 12, 2022

The friend wrote, "My friend was beaten and set ablaze at Lekki phase 1 two days ago. A father of 2 children was beaten into a coma and burnt. No to Jungle justice. A father of 2 little children died like that.

He was the sound engineer in my church. See how his life ended because of N100 change. Sometimes I wonder the country Nigeria even started. https://t.co/Lq89cyv8Vm

— KESSDAVID (@kessdavidmusic) May 14, 2022

"He was the sound engineer in my church. See how his life ended because of N100 change. Sometimes I wonder if the country Nigeria even started.

 

Graphic Content! Viewers discretion is strongly advised!
After much deliberation, I am forced to post the video of Dave. This is really hard for everyone of us but we're hoping this makes a change in any way it could. Say No to Jungle Justice! #JusticeForDave #RIPDave pic.twitter.com/8P80KsL5lv

— ZZETTA (@lordesszzetta) May 14, 2022

"What exactly is going on in this country? Just see how Dave was set on fire over N100 change argument/fight with a Hausa Okada man. Two of Dave's friends who were with him are currently in ICU. They were all lynched to a pulp. This happened in Lekki 1 oh, not Sokoto oh." 

My friend was beaten and set ablaze at Lekki phase 1, 2 days ago. A father of 2 children beaten to coma and burnt. No to Jungle justice. A father of 2 small children died like that.#justicefordavesunday #notojunglejustice https://t.co/kpbcpl5qvB pic.twitter.com/gx4ZSmox0U

— Onome Ejiro (@Onomejiro) May 14, 2022

The spokesperson for the state police command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, on Sunday confirmed the arrest of suspects said to be involved in David's murder but could not confirm the number. 

Hundeyin said "four persons were arrested the same day the incident occurred", adding that the case was immediately transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department. 

He said he could not confirm if the CIID had arrested more suspects. 

This comes at a time when many Nigerians, largely Christians are demanding justice for a Christian student of Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto, who was killed by Muslim students for allegedly insulting Prophet Muhammad. 

 

 

 

 

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