The Muslim Lawyers’ Association of Nigeria (MULAN), Oyo State Branch, has called for a thorough investigation into an attack on Mr. Sulaiman Abdul-Azeez and his two wives by Pastor Stephen Busari, his soldier son Damilola Busari, and some other soldiers.
In a statement issued by its Chairman, Mr. Ismail Saka, Secretary, Mr. Mukhtar Aderogba, and Public Relations Officer, Mr. Idrees Openiyi, on Thursday in Ibadan, MULAN said it received the news of the brutal attack on the victims with great shock.
According to the association, the incident occurred on Sallah Day, June 16, in the Barracks Area of Iseyin, Oyo State. The trouble reportedly started when Sulaiman Abdul-Azeez was about to slaughter his sacrificial Sallah animal in front of his house, and the Pastor allegedly invited his soldier son and his friends to descend on Sulaiman Abdul-Azeez for turning the face of the animal towards the direction of his church.
MULAN said that acting on the direction of the Pastor, his soldier son and his military colleagues attacked Sulaiman Abdul-Azeez and his wives with sticks, inflicting grievous injuries on their heads and other parts of their bodies. One of Sulaiman Abdul-Azeez’s heavily pregnant wives was also not spared, as she was viciously attacked and dragged on the floor.
The association strongly condemned the attack, stating that it was capable of breaching the peace in the community. MULAN called on the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State Command to ensure a thorough investigation and prosecution of the culprits to prevent a recurrence.
Furthermore, the association urged the Military High Command to investigate and discipline the military personnel involved in the brutal attacks on the Sulaiman Abdul-Azeez family.
MULAN promised to lend its support to ensure that justice is served in the matter and has already interfaced with the retained legal counsel, the Oyo State Muslim Community, MURIC, and other organizations and individuals to ensure that justice is served.
The association also saluted the Muslim elders, youth, and the leadership of the Muslim communities in both Iseyin and Oyo State for exercising restraint in the face of the unprovoked attacks, which were suggestive of religious intolerance. MULAN urged the Muslim Ummah not to allow the matter to degenerate into violence while allowing the law to take its course.
