Muslim Group Petitions Police Over Insults to Islamic Names

By Sadiq Abdulfatah

The Islamic Training Organisation of Nigeria (ITOON) has petitioned the police in Lagos and Ogun States, as well as the Department of State Services (DSS), over what it described as growing online insults and hate directed at Muslims, especially involving Islamic names.

The group said its petition followed reactions on social media after Nollywood actors Abdullateef Adedimeji and Adebimpe Oyebade announced the birth of their triplets. Instead of congratulations, ITOON said some users mocked the Islamic names given to the babies, describing the act as disrespectful to Islam and offensive to Muslim identity.

ITOON said it was particularly disturbed that innocent children were targeted simply because they were given Islamic names, stressing that such behaviour amounts to disrespect for the Muslim faith and promotes division in society.

The organisation also condemned comments allegedly made by a social media user identified as “MS Baba,” who reportedly referred to the newborns as “slaves,” calling the remark insulting, unacceptable and harmful to religious harmony.

National Missioner of ITOON, Uwais Olanrewaju, said Muslims have the right to practise their religion freely, including giving their children Islamic names without fear of mockery or intimidation. He said freedom of expression should not be used as a cover for insulting Islam or attacking Muslim families.

He added that Nigeria’s Constitution protects religious freedom and the right of parents to raise their children according to their faith.

ITOON warned that repeated attacks on Islamic identity online could increase tension and weaken peaceful coexistence. It said the incident reflects a worrying pattern of disrespect toward Muslims on social media.

The group cited the Cybercrimes Act 2015, which prohibits online harassment and hateful messages that can cause fear, emotional distress or public disorder. It said offenders could face fines or imprisonment under the law.

ITOON demanded a public apology to the affected family and the Muslim community, warning that failure to do so could lead to prosecution.

“The dignity of Islam and Muslim families must be respected at all times,” the organisation said. “Mocking Islamic names and children is unacceptable and must not be ignored.”

Source: The Guardian

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