EASY LIFE

The Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan has set aside the Oyo State High Court judgment that allowed female Muslim students of the University of Ibadan International School (ISI) to wear hijab with their school uniforms.

In a split 2–1 judgment delivered on Friday, the appellate court ruled in favour of the school's management, holding that ISI is a private institution and is not bound by the Supreme Court's earlier decision permitting the use of hijab in public schools.

Justice Biobele Georgewill, who delivered the lead judgment, stated that students voluntarily agreed to abide by the school's rules, including its dress code, upon admission. He added that while the Supreme Court has affirmed the use of hijab in public schools, it has not made a similar ruling regarding private schools.

However, Justice Fadawu Umar dissented, maintaining that the appeal lacked merit and that the earlier High Court judgment recognising the students' right to wear the hijab should stand.

-FPM NEWS REPORT-

Police have arrested a man identified as Chukwudi, who is alleged to be a notorious kidnapping kingpin from Ebonyi State.

According to police, the suspect operated a cosmetics business, which investigators believe served as a front for an alleged kidnapping syndicate. The business reportedly helped conceal the group's activities and prevented members of the public from suspecting their involvement in criminal operations.

Authorities further alleged that Chukwudi and his accomplices were responsible for the killing of a man identified as Steven. Police said the gang used four AK-47 rifles and a pump-action shotgun while carrying out kidnapping operations in different parts of Nigeria, targeting victims for ransom.

The suspects are currently in police custody as investigations continue. Authorities say efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate and ensure they face prosecution.

This report is based on police allegations. The suspects remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

-FPM NEWS REPORT-