The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Ogun State Chapter, has demanded justice for an 11-year-old girl allegedly raped in Mowe by a suspect identified as Machel. The group warned that any attempt to bury the case would be challenged.
This demand follows reports that influential individuals had allegedly contacted the victim's family to settle the matter out of court. The girl was reportedly returning from an Arabic School along Peace Lane on April 21, 2026, when the suspect attacked and dragged her to an uncompleted building where he raped her.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Ustaadh Tajudeer, and Secretary, Ambassador Rasheed Damilare, MURIC described the incident as a calculated crime. The group insisted it would not tolerate such actions against any member of the Muslim society, especially an underage girl, stressing that anyone defending the suspect had committed a crime against humanity.
“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 lifelong trauma inflicted on the girl. “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 Division of the Police for its professionalism in handling the case, particularly the thorough investigation and transfer of the case to the Gender-Based Violence Unit at the Police Area Command, Oke Ilewo, Abeokuta. It urged stakeholders and residents, especially girls, to speak out against gender-based violence, noting that silence enables perpetrators and kills 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.”
MURIC also appealed to the Ogun State Government to establish special courts for rape and child abuse cases. “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.”
“As we withdraw our fingers from the keyboard, 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.”
