Group Seeks Chief Of Army Staff, IGP’s Intervention Over Alleged Brutality Of Cleric, Wives By Soldiers

The Muslim Initiative on Rights and Justice ( MIRAJ), a human right group , has called on the Chief Of Army Staff ( COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja , and the Inspector -General of Police (IGP) , Mr Olukayode Egbedokun, to intervene and investigate the alleged unlawful brutality of an Islamic Cleric, Uztaz Abdullazeez Sulaiman, and his wives
by some soldiers.

Sulaiman , who was alleged to have been brutalised and abused with severe injuries suffered from the hands of some soldiers was still receiving medical treatment in an undisclosed hospital.

Also, hospitalized after the unfortunate incident are his two wives, in which one was pregnant woman after allegedly stabbed and dragged on the ground by the soldiers.

The two wives of the victims are Imran Nafeesat and Rasaq Ajarat with other family members that suffered abuse and gross of their fundamental human rights.

The Group National Amir, Mr Adeniyi Adams , who made this known in an interview with newsmen on Wednesday in Osogbo, harped on the need for quick proactive measures to forestall any injustice that could be melted on any other innocent civilians in the society.

Adams said the cleric (Sulaiman) was brutally abused and injured on June 16 ,2024 after he left the prayer ground on Eid -kabir celebration while slaughtering his cow at his residence direct opposite the church at Karangba, Olobide villa Odo Omu area , Iseyin in Oyo state.

He said that one Pastor Busari Kolawole of Christ Apostle Church approached him and challenged him for slaughtering a cow closed to his church before calling his biological son who is a soldier.

He added that Pastor Kolawole’s son on his invitation of his father stormed the scene along with his military colleagues who allegedly brutalized the victims.

” The two wives of the cleric were dragged out of their home and beating in which one of the wives was fataly wounded on her head .

” The second wife including the cleric mother and siblings were also tortured by the military personnel mobilized by the pastor,” Adams said .

According to him, the manner at which the matter was handled without justice for the innocent civilians called for questioning after the alleged soldiers worked freely and pastor Busari without any remorse for their actions.

” The names of the soldiers are Busari Stephen 23NA/85/11522 who is the team leader and four others to include Olusesi Blessing , Azeez Taofiq, and others .

The human rights activist called on the COAS and IGP with other concerns authorities for immediate intervention and interrogation with outrightly dismissal of officers found wanting in any unprofessional conducts.

” Also, urgent intervention to reinvestigate and redress to save the lives of Abdullazeez Sulaiman and ensure that his fundamental human rights of entire family are well secure.

Adams, however , said a stitch in time saves and Justice delayed is a justice denied, calling for a quick actions by the necessary authorities to reinvestigate and unravel the truth to ensure that innocent civilians are not victims of injustice in the hands of those who are meant to be “Friend of the Masses ”

In his reaction, Pastor Busari Stephen confirmed the incident, saying all hands are on deck to resolve the matter.

Meanwhile, Christians Association of Nigeria CAN has ordered sanction on the pastor.

According to the CAN Chairman in Iseyin Local Government, Apostle Sunday Ogundairo, said CAN has sanctioned the pastor and ordered the relocation of his church, adding that there was ongoing discussions aimed at maintaining peace in the area.