Ilorin Emirate Union Establishes Cleric Database to Combat Ritual Killings
To curb the influence of fraudulent clerics within Ilorin, the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) has announced its collaboration with the state branch of the Council of Ulama to establish a comprehensive database of Islamic clerics and scholars.
This initiative was revealed on Saturday during a strategic meeting at the IEDPU National Secretariat in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State. Attended by Islamic scholars, Muslim preachers, Islamic organizations, and media representatives, the meeting aimed to address prevailing societal issues.
Ritual Killing Case Sparks Urgent Action
The initiative follows the shocking arrest of an Islamic cleric, Abdulrahman Bello, who was allegedly implicated in the murder of Hafsoh Lawal, a final-year student at Kwara State College of Education. The incident, which has sparked public outcry, led to Bello and four accomplices being taken into custody by the Kwara State Police Command. Currently, Bello is being held at Ilorin Correctional Center, awaiting further hearing on March 6, 2025.
IEDPU Advocates Ethical Clerical Practices
During the meeting, IEDPU National President, Alhaji Abdulmalik Abdulmumini, condemned the crime, emphasizing its detrimental impact on Ilorin’s long-standing reputation as a hub of Islamic excellence. He urged clerics to uphold Islamic ethics, avoiding behaviors that could tarnish the Emirate’s image.
“We must maintain high moral standards. Our clerics should continue promoting Islamic values with integrity and refrain from misconduct that could bring disrepute to our community. The Quran and Hadith should be the guiding principles in all religious teachings,” Abdulmumini stated.
Establishing a Comprehensive Cleric Database
To enhance transparency and accountability, IEDPU has proposed the creation of a centralized database listing all recognized Islamic scholars, Imams, and Islamic school proprietors. This effort, in collaboration with the Kwara State Council of Ulama, aims to weed out fraudulent clerics and safeguard the community from deceptive religious leaders.
Calls for Justice and Stronger Regulations
Retired Grand Khadi of the Kwara State Shariah Court of Appeal, Justice Solihu Muhammad, urged clerics to emulate the virtues of past Islamic leaders who used their teachings to enlighten and protect society. Various Muslim organizations endorsed IEDPU’s initiative, stressing the need for disciplinary measures against any cleric found engaging in unethical conduct.
Meanwhile, the Kwara State Council of Ulama reiterated its commitment to supporting police efforts in ensuring justice for Hafsoh Lawal’s family. Speaking at a press conference, the Council’s Secretary, Justice Mohammad, condemned the ritual killing, emphasizing that Islam strictly prohibits the taking of innocent lives. He referenced Quranic verses, including Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:32) and Surah Al-Isra (17:33), to reinforce the religious prohibition against murder.
Death Penalty Debate and Calls for Policy Reforms
Amir of the Muslim Ummah, Alh Abdur-Razzaq Abdulwahhab Al-Ameen Aladodo, criticized state governors for failing to sign death warrants, arguing that this reluctance has contributed to the rise in ritual killings. He urged the Kwara State government and other state leaders to approve death sentences for convicted ritual killers to serve as a deterrent.
“It is a breach of justice when governors refuse to sign death warrants for criminals convicted by the court. Since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, only two governors—Abubakar Audu of Kogi and Adams Oshiomole of Edo—have taken this decisive action,” Aladodo stated.
Community Calls for Collective Action
While urging citizens to avoid stigmatizing Ilorin or Kwara State based on the actions of a few individuals, the Council of Ulama emphasized that the region upholds Islamic values that do not condone ritual practices. The council encouraged continued vigilance and collective efforts to eradicate criminal activities masquerading as religious practices.
For more insights on combating ritual killings, visit The Guardian Nigeri
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