The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has condemned what it described as deliberate efforts by traditional leaders in Oke Agbe, Akoko, Ondo State, to obstruct justice in the aftermath of a brutal attack on Muslim women and children by masqueraders. The group is calling for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.
In a strongly worded statement released following the June 12, 2025, incident, MURIC alleged that some masqueraders invaded the mosque and residence of Imam Muhammed Hussain Jegede Taqweem, assaulting his wives and children in what it described as a targeted religious attack.
“Traditionalists are trying to frustrate police efforts to bring to book the brains behind the masquerade attack on Muslim women in Oke Agbe,” the statement read. “His wives and children were brutalized in the attack.”
MURIC noted that although the victims had been invited by the Ondo State Police Command to give their side of the story, no arrests have been made to date. The group attributed this delay to efforts by traditional leaders in the town to mediate between the attackers and the victims—an initiative MURIC condemned as a ploy to shield the culprits from justice.
“We frown at the delay in arresting the culprits. The suspects must be arrested first before diplomatic moves can start. Meetings convened by traditionalists at this time are designed to extenuate the offence,” MURIC stated. “They want to mull police action as if they are above the law. It is sheer impunity.”
The group also accused the King of Oke Agbe and his King-in-Council of complicity, pointing to their alleged response after the incident. According to the statement, the council had instructed the Imam to provide nine goats, seven sheep, and 200 pieces of kolanuts as a fine, despite being the victim of the attack.
“This is very clear from the toxic judgement they gave,” MURIC declared. “We declare any meeting convened by the same group as an attempt at covering up the crime.”
The statement named specific individuals allegedly involved in the assault and demanded their immediate arrest. Among those identified were Ajayi Odunayo Smart (also known as Ijoba), who was accused of initiating the attack by flogging the Imam’s son, followed by other suspects, including Balogun Adewale (Chief Olisa) and Adeosun Leke (also known as C. Leke).
“The law must take its due course. Neither the king nor the Oba-in-Council is addressing the issue of justice and we are certain that the attack will be repeated again unless they are taught a lesson,” MURIC warned.
The organisation further raised concerns about a long-standing pattern of religiously motivated masquerade attacks in Yorubaland, stating that Muslims have consistently been victims without reciprocating violence.
“There is no record of a single attack initiated by Muslims on people of other faiths in Yorubaland. These attacks became frequent because the attackers have always gone free. We want to see a change this time. Enough is enough.”
Calling for strict adherence to the rule of law, MURIC insisted that the matter must not be trivialized and that prosecuting the suspects would serve as a deterrent.
“Masquerades and their sponsors are not above the law. This attack must not be treated with levity. Arresting and prosecuting the suspects will act as a deterrent. This is how to curb crime in society.”
MURIC concluded by urging the traditional authorities to desist from interfering in the legal process and allow law enforcement agencies to carry out their duties without bias or obstruction.
