* Say forgiveness not enough
Muslims across spectrum are demanding the prosecution of Akamara, the other accomplices over fake ‘Ihram ritual’ story, saying ‘forgiveness is not enough’. Muslim News reports…
The controversy surrounding Akamara — an Ogun State-based presenter, Mr. Ibrahim Adesola, who alleged that one non-existent Alhaji Lukman Owokomago of orchestrating an Ihram fetish scam — continues to escalate, as concerned Muslims across Nigeria reject calls for forgiveness and demand his prosecution in a competent court of law.
Despite Akamara’s recent public confession and retraction during a stakeholder meeting convened by Wakeelul Muslimeen of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta, Sheikh Iskeel Lawal Sugar, on Saturday, April 26, many members of the Muslim community claimed that the issue has been poorly handled and cannot simply be waved away.
“The matter is beyond forgiveness. Concerned Muslims are saying it is not well managed,” one observer noted, in a series of reactions compiled by Muslim News, who had earlier reported the news.
Leading the charge, Dr. Sanusi Lafiagi, a varsity lecturer insisted that prosecution was the only way to ensure justice and deter future incidents.
“He should be prosecuted. I heard the voice notes which I received from multiple sources. I, however, didn’t see any Khayr in writing about it even if it were true. He should be prosecuted, lest some idiots start saying that he was coaxed or coerced to retract.”
Also reacting, Adedapo Adeyinka Habeeb stressed the gravity of Akamara’s actions. “This is not a matter of forgiveness, let him follow the consequences. If not that Allah is the protector of His religion, do you know what this could have caused? I suggest he should be reported to the appropriate authority, let his license be seized and he should be prosecuted also.”
Ganiu Kadiri called for swift legal action, suggesting the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) should intervene. “This man should be sued to court; it will be a lesson to other people who may try to stage something like this. MURIC should take action.”
Similarly, Junaid Yunus emphasized that mere apologies were inadequate. “This is not sufficient at all. He is supposed to be sued at a competent court of jurisdiction, and be given a condition to make a public retraction on print, electronic, and social media. He should also pronounce that there is no one bearing Alhaji Owokomago connected with any ritualistic tendency. As it is now, enemies of Islam may say that the retraction was staged or made under duress.”
Isiaka Taiwo decried the informal handling of the situation, stating, “This guy should have his days in court. Such lies told on the worldwide web should not be forgiven in a room. He deliberately maligned a philanthropist and Islam.”
In his comment, Amir Alli expressed disappointment over past leniencies that have encouraged similar defamations. “I said it was a lie from the pit of hell on listening to the audio. Everything looked framed up. Aside that, his pleas must be rejected and he should be made to face the wrath of the law. If not, more demeaning character assassinations will smear Islam and Muslims in the future as this is a result of past plea bargaining.”
Another commentator, Adesanya Mutiu Adedeji, firmly stated, “I think it shouldn’t be that we forgive this useless person but he has to be brought to the court of law. So other useless fellows like him will never try this kind of nonsense. My thinking ooo.”
Adding to the voices, Olalekan Adebimpe called for a deeper investigation into Akamara’s history. “Subhanallahi. If this retraction is true, I am of the opinion that he and the cohort must dance to the music in court because of defamation to the religion of Islam. It is unbecoming of that man. Something like this also happened on his programme in one of the radio stations in Ijebu. Also check his record at Radio Nigeria Lagos.”
Mutiu Atanda Fatai Owotabua warned that without a proper legal process, the situation could appear as a cover-up. “Going by the gravity of his actions, retraction and apology is not enough, otherwise some people will insinuate a kind of cover-up of the saga. What if he was a Christian — would the issue be settled like that? Let’s be fair and just. Only Allah knows the number of Muslims whose faith has been affected by this episode. He is supposed to face the consequences, period.”
Raising further doubts about the sincerity of the retraction, Abdurrauph Mustapha Afolabi questioned the whereabouts of others involved in the staged conversation.
“Where are the other two people involved in the conversation, the reporter, the one they reported who later claimed he has the right to collect the Ihram cloth saying 10M isn’t small money? We only saw the presenter. Those two people should be summoned also; else this is mere play and we aren’t ready for the truth.”
Supporting that concern, Abdul Mojeed Olayide Tajudeen insisted that all impersonators must be exposed. “Before we believe this is true, they should bring out the two impersonators — the person that reported the case on the radio program and the receiver of the call who acted like Baba Olowo Owokomago.”
What’s your take?
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If Islam didn’t preach forgiveness, it would have been another ball game entirely. Since he had publicly apologised to man and Allah with full prostrations, Ahh, what else do we really want?
Proper prosecution process should commence, no sweeping under the carpet.