The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has criticised the Nigeria Police over perceived double standards in handling recent stampedes that claimed lives during events in Ibadan, Abuja, and Anambra.
The group, led by its Executive Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, called for the immediate release of individuals arrested in connection with the Ibadan incident or the arrest of organisers responsible for similar tragedies in Abuja and Anambra.
Thirty-five children lost their lives last Wednesday during a stampede at a children’s funfair at Bashorun Islamic High School in Ibadan.
On Saturday, 10 people died during a palliative distribution at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja. Similarly, at least 20 residents of Okija, Anambra State, were reported dead following a stampede during rice distribution.
While the Oyo State Police Command detained Queen Naomi Silekunola, ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, and others linked to the Ibadan tragedy, no arrests have been reported for the Abuja and Anambra incidents.
On Tuesday, a Chief Magistrate Court in Iyaganku, Ibadan, ordered the remand of Silekunola, Abdullahi Fasasi (principal of Bashorun Islamic High School), and Oriyomi Hamzat (proprietor of Agidigbo FM) at Agodi Correctional Centre.
Akintola condemned what he described as selective justice. “It is unacceptable that only the Ibadan organisers face arrest while those behind similar events in Abuja and Anambra remain free,” he stated.
He questioned why the principal of the Islamic High School was arrested despite confirmation from the school’s alumni that the venue was approved by the Oyo State Ministry of Education.
He also noted that the Obi Jackson Foundation, which organised the Okija palliative distribution, and the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Abuja had not faced similar repercussions.
“MURIC demands equal treatment. Arrest the Abuja and Okija organisers or release the Ibadan detainees. The Ibadan case should not be a scapegoat while others are ignored,” Akintola said.
The group urged the Oyo State Police Command to release those detained and called for a state government-led investigation into the incident. Akintola also urged the police nationwide to ensure fairness in their approach, adding that the tragedies should be addressed uniformly.
