The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Ogun State chapter, has demanded justice over the alleged assault of an 11-year-old girl in Mowe, warning that any attempt to suppress the case will be resisted.
The call followed reports that some influential individuals allegedly approached the victim's family to withdraw the case from court and settle it amicably.
The incident reportedly occurred on April 21, 2026, when the girl was returning from an Arabic school along Peace Lane. The suspect, identified simply as Michael, allegedly attacked her and took her to an uncompleted building.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Ustaadh Tajudeen Jimoh Alao, and Secretary, Ambassador Olaleye Rasheed Damilare, MURIC described the incident as a calculated crime, stating that the suspect waylaid the minor and forcefully took her to the building.
The group said it would not tolerate such acts, particularly against underage girls, and added that anyone defending the suspect is complicit in a grave offence.
“It is disturbing that certain individuals have reportedly visited the family, questioning their financial capacity to pursue justice and subtly pushing for the matter to be buried,” the group said. “Justice is not a commodity for sale. Protecting the victim is noble, but defending the rapist is a crime against humanity.”
MURIC vowed to pursue justice for the victim, highlighting the lasting psychological and emotional impact of the incident on the child and insisting that the suspect must face the full weight of the law.
“This 11-year-old child is currently navigating a labyrinth of psychological trauma and emotional distress. This is a wound that scars a lifetime. We refuse to stand by while her future is traded for the personal interests of the powerful.”
The group commended the Mowe Divisional Police for its handling of the case, particularly the investigation and subsequent transfer to the Gender-Based Violence Unit at the Police Area Command, Oke Ilewo, Abeokuta.
It urged residents and stakeholders, especially girls, to speak out in cases of gender-based violence, noting that silence enables perpetrators and undermines justice.
“We are encouraged that this unit is currently led by an officer who is also a mother. We believe her maternal instincts and professional integrity will ensure this case is not swept under the carpet.
“Under the laws of man and the commands of Allah, Michael must face the full weight of the law.
“We use this medium to make a special appeal to the Ogun State Government: Cases of rape and child abuse deserve Special Courts.
“The current system allows many oppressors to walk free while their victims live in a prison of fear. Special courts will ensure these cases are handled with the urgency and sensitivity they require.
“We urge the Muslim community and all stakeholders to remain calm but vigilant. All hands are on deck.
“Justice may delay, but the cries of the oppressed must never go unheard. Every rapist is an enemy of humanity, and they must be stopped,” the group added.
