Osun Muslim Community Demands Justice On Murder Of Islamic Faithful

Ismaeel Uthman

THE Osun State Muslim Community has renewed call for justice on the killing of a Muslim, Moshood Salaudeen, by suspected Masqueraders who are already on trial. 

Salaudeen, who was a member of Qomarudeen Society of Nigeria, was allegedly killed in an alleged attack on Kamorudeen Central Mosque, Oluode Arayin, Osogbo, on Sunday, June 27, 2021 by masqueraders. 

Chief Kayode Esuleke, who was said to be the owner of Esubiyi masquerade, whose adherents allegedly attacked Kamorudeen Central Mosque, where Salaudeen was killed was remanded in Correctional Center by an Osogbo High Court upon his arraignment on September 14, 2021. 

Also arraigned alongside Esuleke were his son, Fashola, who is the custodian of the masquerade, Kola Adeosun and Akeem Idowu.

The defendants were accused of shooting Salaudeen with a gun which resulted into his death and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 319 of the Criminal Code Cap.34, Vol. 11 Laws of Osun State.

But the accused persons pleaded not guilty to the 13-count charge bordering on murder, attempted murder, breach of public peace and malicious damage.

The case is still pending at the court. 

However, the Osun Muslim Community has expressed worry over the delay in the prosecution of the matter, saying it is disheartening that justice has not been served two years after the incident.

Addressing a press conference to herald Islamic New Year, Hijrah 1445 AH, on Sunday, the President of the Muslim Community, Sheik Mustafa Olawuyi, demanded speedy trial of the case, saying justice delayed is justice denied. 

Olawuyi said: “Injustice is the root of crime in our society; and nobody should take the tolerance and silence of the Muslims for granted. Here in Osun, masqueraders went inside the mosque to attack Muslims. They killed one person and destroyed the mosque. We are yet to get justice on that.

“It is disheartening that we are still seeking justice two years after the incident; the case is in court dragging. This is not fair. We want justice on the matter; justice delayed is justice denied. The case should be tried speedily. We want justice.