* It is calculated to tarnish the image of Islam: MURIC
Fresh evidence has emerged contradicting reports that the abductors of students and staff members in Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State demanded the implementation of Sharia law, the release of certain individuals, and a ₦1 billion ransom as conditions for the release of their captives.
In a new video released from captivity on Monday, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, Principal of Community High School, Esiele, categorically refuted the claims, describing them as false and suggesting that the circulation of such reports could undermine efforts to secure the freedom of the abductees.
Speaking in the 3-minute, 18-second video, Mrs. Alamu maintained that the information being circulated by some media outlets does not accurately represent the reality of their ordeal in captivity.
“These are not true. Today makes it the 24th day that we have been in this place, and it seems that some people are making our problems more complicated.
“We were shown some print media where it was stated that these people that abducted us requested the release of some people, requested a billion naira, and requested Sharia to be entrenched in the country. These are not true.”
Her remarks directly contradict reports that have circulated in recent days in sections of the Nigerian media alleging that the kidnappers demanded the implementation of Sharia law as part of negotiations for the release of the victims. While some reports claimed the demand related to Oyo State, others alleged it extended to other parts of the country.
Principal’s statement corroborates Muslim News’ Fact-Check
Mrs. Alamu’s latest remarks also corroborate an earlier fact-check by Muslim News, which found no verifiable evidence that the kidnappers demanded the implementation of Sharia law.
The fact-check established that the only publicly known account of the kidnappers’ demands came from the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, who briefed journalists after engaging with community leaders, families of the victims, and other stakeholders involved in efforts to secure their release.
Notably, the Speaker did not mention Sharia law among the demands reportedly made by the abductors.
The emergence of Mrs. Alamu’s video therefore reinforces the position that there is no independently verifiable evidence linking the kidnappers’ demands to the implementation of Sharia law.
The development has also raised questions about how the Sharia claim found its way into some media reports despite the absence of confirmation from negotiators, security agencies, community leaders, government officials, or the victims themselves.
Background to the abduction
Mrs. Alamu was among scores of students and staff members abducted when armed gunmen invaded schools in Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026.
The attackers reportedly stormed several schools in the community, kidnapping students, teachers, and school administrators in a coordinated operation that sent shockwaves across the state.
The attack also claimed the lives of an assistant headmaster and a commercial motorcycle rider (okada rider), further heightening concerns over insecurity in the area.
Since the incident, parents, religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society groups, and concerned Nigerians have continued to appeal to security agencies and government authorities to intensify efforts towards securing the safe release of the victims.
MURIC rejects Sharia claim
Meanwhile, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has strongly rejected reports linking the kidnappers to demands for the implementation of Sharia law.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, the Islamic human rights organisation described the alleged demand as false and calculated to tarnish the image of Islam.
MURIC insisted that kidnappers, bandits, Boko Haram insurgents, and other terrorist groups have no legitimate relationship with Islam and cannot speak on behalf of Nigerian Muslims.
“The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has received with grave concern reports alleging that the kidnappers of school children and teachers in Oyo State demanded the implementation of Sharia in the South-West as part of their conditions,” the statement said.
The organisation dismissed the report as “a lie from the pit of Jahannam.”
According to MURIC, the alleged demand was deliberately inserted by enemies of Islam seeking to portray Sharia negatively and undermine legitimate advocacy for Sharia Courts among Yoruba Muslims.
While reiterating its support for the constitutional establishment of Sharia Courts in the South-West, MURIC stressed that such advocacy is being pursued through lawful, democratic, and peaceful means.
The group also condemned the abduction of the students and teachers, describing the act as criminal, barbaric, and completely inconsistent with Islamic teachings.
Professor Akintola stated that those involved in kidnapping innocent citizens cannot be regarded as representatives of Islam or the Muslim community.
He further argued that attempts to associate criminal activities with Islam amount to misinformation capable of creating unnecessary religious tension and misunderstanding.
The emergence of the principal’s video has renewed calls for caution and responsibility in reporting sensitive security matters, particularly where unverified claims may affect ongoing negotiations or inflame religious sentiments.
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