…Urge court to expedite action on prosecution
Muslims in Oyo State have condemned the delay of justice for Alfa Abdulazeez Sulaiman, a Muslim man attacked by a group of “soldiers” at the instance of Pastor Busari Stephen of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Oke Imuse, Iseyin last year.
The General Secretary Oyo State Muslim Rights Concern ( MURIC), Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, who spoke on behalf of the Muslim community, said that it has now been nine months since Alfa Abdulazeez was brutally attacked with justice not yet served.
Muslim News reported how Pastor Busari Stephen reportedly hired some ‘soldiers’ who along side his son fiercely attacked Alfa Sulaiman and brutalized his two wives, Nafeesah Imran and Ajarat Razaq, who are in purdah.
Following the unfortunate incident that happened on Sunday, 16th June 2024 shortly after they returned from the Eid-al-Adha (praying) ground, the Pastor, one Ogunwale Olayemi, pastor’s son, Damilola (an army officer) and others still at large, were first arraigned at the Chief Magistrate Court 1, Iyaganku in Ibadan on Thursday, 11th July 2024, for attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, house-breaking, stealing, and criminal assault
Agunbiade said, “We are not satisfied with the way Chief Magistrate, Justice Olabisi Ogunkanmi is handling our case. The last sitting was on 4th December 2024, and the case was adjourned until 25th May 2025.
“The lengthy adjournment has raised concerns, and we fear that justice may not be served under her jurisdiction. As a result, we are exploring options to transfer the case to a higher court, possibly the Federal High Court, due to our dissatisfaction with her handling of the case.
“The Muslim community is appalled and frustrated by the delay in justice. The community condemns the lack of urgency and attention given to the case, which has left Abdulazeez Sulaiman and his family suffering for far too long.”
Agunbiade urged the court to expedite action on prosecution and deliver justice swiftly.
He added that relevant authorities must ensure that the perpetrators of the attack are held to account for their actions.
He particularly requested the media to spotlight the case to ensure that justice is served.
“It’s a threat to humanity. Injustice, in all its forms, is a menace that threatens the very fabric of our society. When we condone or perpetuate injustice, we undermine the fundamental human rights and dignity of individuals. Every person, regardless of their background, race, or creed, deserves to be treated fairly and justly.
“Injustice can have far-reaching consequences, leading to feelings of marginalization, resentment, and anger. It can also perpetuate cycles of violence and retaliation, causing harm to individuals and communities.”
Agunbiade called on citizens to unite against injustice and work towards building a more just and equitable society for all.