The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called for the prosecution of Yunusa Yellow, the alleged abductor of 14 year old Ese Oruru. MURIC, in a statement signed by its Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, said:
“The police have also acted very professionally. Nonetheless, we demand that Yinusa, the ‘boy friend’ with whom the girl eloped should be arrested and prosecuted.”
The statement also said:
“Our position is based on the fact that the girl is a minor. Attempting to marry off the girl without her parent’s permission is not only a breach of common law but also a violation of the Shariah provision on the need for the parents’ approval before nikah (Islamic marriage) can be deemed valid (La nikah bila waliyyin).”
“Of particular significance in this regard is the express command in the Glorious Qur’an that women should be married with the permission of their parents. The Qur’an says inter alia, “ And marry them (i.e. women) with the permission of their parents(Qur’an 4:25),” the statement said.
The group also commended the Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II for handling the issue wisely. MURIC also said:
“The boyfriend cannot go scot free if it is established that he had had canal knowledge of the girl. In fact, his case is judiciable both before the Kano Shariah court and the Yenagoa court although the latter has the stronger jurisdiction. The girl should be properly examined in the hospital before being taken to Yenagoa.
“The fact that Yunusa is a Muslim cannot becloud our sense of justice. The Qur’an commands Muslims to “…Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses of Allah, even if the case is against yourselves, or your parents, or your family, and whether it is against a rich or poor man…” (Qur’an 4:135).”
MURIC also warned Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti to stop playing politics with religion.