The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has accused traditional authorities in Oke Agbe, Akoko, Ondo State, of frustrating police efforts to arrest those responsible for a recent violent attack on Muslim women and the family of an Imam by masqueraders.
The Islamic human rights organization raised the alarm in a statement issued on Sunday by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, insisting that suspects must be arrested before any form of dialogue or reconciliation can be considered.
The attack, which occurred on Thursday, 12th June 2025, reportedly involved masqueraders invading the mosque and home of Imam Muhammed Hussain Jegede Taqweem, where his wives and children were brutally assaulted.
“Traditionalists are trying to frustrate police efforts to bring to book the brains behind the masquerade attack. “Although the victims were reportedly invited to the Ondo State Police Command to share their side of the story, no arrests have been made so far. This is largely due to ongoing efforts by traditional leaders to organize peace meetings between the attackers and victims.”Akintola stated.
He further alleged that the traditional council of Oke Agbe, led by the King and his council of chiefs, is complicit in the matter. According to MURIC, the King’s demand that the Imam provide nine goats, seven sheep, and 200 kolanuts as a form of restitution is both unjust and an attempt to cover up the crime.
“MURIC calls for the immediate arrest of Ajayi Odunayo Smart (a.k.a. Ijoba), who reportedly initiated the attack, as well as other suspects including Balogun Adewale (Chief Olisa) and Adeosun Leke (a.k.a. C Leke),” the statement added.
The group expressed concern that without justice, such attacks may recur. It stressed that Muslims in Yorubaland have long been victims of religiously motivated masquerade violence and that impunity has emboldened the perpetrators.
“Masquerades and their sponsors are not above the law,” Akintola declared. “Arresting and prosecuting the suspects will serve as a deterrent. The law must take its full course.”
MURIC urged the Ondo State Police Command not to succumb to pressure from traditional institutions and called on all stakeholders to allow the security agencies to carry out their constitutional responsibilities without interference.
