CAC Pastor arrested over brutal attack on Muslim family in Iseyin

• Al-Mu’minaat seeks justice, says action an act of religious intolerance

• Hold perpetrators accountable, Al-Akhwaatul Muslimat tells security agencies

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 Muslim News, 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.

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.

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.

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