The Islamic Training Organisation of Nigeria (ITOON) has filed petitions with the Commissioners of Police in Lagos and Ogun States, as well as the Department of State Services (DSS), concerning what it terms an escalating wave of cyberbullying, hate speech, and religious intolerance directed at Muslims on social media platforms.
In a statement issued by its National Missioner, Uwais Olanrewaju, the organization called for urgent and proactive intervention from security agencies. This follows recent online attacks targeting Nollywood actors Abdullateef Adedimeji and Adebimpe Oyebade after they announced the birth of their triplets.
According to ITOON, instead of celebrating the arrival of the children, several social media users allegedly mocked the Islamic names given to the babies, sparking outrage among Muslim groups and advocates of religious tolerance. The organization described the attacks as disturbing and inhumane, noting that innocent children became targets of ridicule because of their religious identity.
ITOON expressed particular concern over comments allegedly made by a social media user identified as “MS Baba,” who reportedly referred to the newborns as “slaves.” The petition was also copied to the State Directors of the DSS in Lagos and Ogun States. The group stated that such language is offensive, degrading, and capable of provoking hatred and division in an already sensitive social climate.
Olanrewaju emphasized that freedom of speech should not be used as a license for abuse, discrimination, or religious attacks. He noted that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees citizens the right to practice their religion freely and raise their children according to their faith without fear of intimidation or mockery. He warned that continued silence over online religious intolerance could embolden offenders and deepen social divisions.
ITOON also alleged that the incident reflects a broader pattern of online harassment against Muslims across different parts of the country. The organization stated that existing Nigerian laws already provide legal backing to address such conduct, citing the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, particularly Section 24, which criminalizes cyberstalking, online harassment, and the dissemination of hateful or offensive messages capable of causing fear, emotional distress, or public disorder. It added that offenders convicted under the law could face heavy fines and prison terms.
ITOON demanded a public apology from the individual at the center of the controversy to the affected family and the wider Muslim community, warning that failure to do so could lead to prosecution under relevant laws. “The law is clear, and those who use social media to spread hate must understand that there are consequences for their actions,” Olanrewaju said. “Mocking children and attacking families because of religion diminishes our humanity and threatens peaceful coexistence.”
