Islamic group calls for lifetime ban on El-Rufai over controversial raid on religious school

A student group affiliated with prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, has urged President Bola Tinubu to investigate former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai over a controversial midnight raid that led to the removal of 160 Qur’anic students from the Sheikh’s residence.

The Markaz Old Boys Association (MOBA), in a statement signed by its Assistant Secretary, Ahmad Tijjani Muhammad, condemned the incident as unjust and a violation of constitutional rights.

The group has also appealed to the current Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, and human rights organisations to look into the matter.

The raid reportedly occurred during El-Rufai’s tenure, when security forces under the state’s anti-begging task force carried out what MOBA described as a “commando-style operation” at Sheikh Dahiru’s home in Kaduna.

Security personnel allegedly stormed the premises in the middle of the night while the children were sleeping, transporting them to the Hajj Camp along Mando Road.

Despite continuous efforts by the Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi Foundation’s education directorate, some students are still missing.

MOBA strongly criticized the operation, stating that attacking a well-respected Islamic scholar’s home, using teargas on sleeping students, and disrupting their peace was an abuse of fundamental human rights.

They also called for an apology from El-Rufai, emphasising Sheikh Dahiru’s reputation as a revered spiritual leader who has always advocated for peace and stability in Kaduna and Nigeria.

In its demands, the group urged President Tinubu, Governor Sani, and human rights organisations to conduct a thorough investigation into what they described as an injustice against the scholar’s family and students.

They also insisted that El-Rufai should be permanently banned from holding any government position, calling him a “tyrant ruler” who disregards human rights.

MOBA further encouraged Governor Sani to address the situation as a gesture of respect for Sheikh Dahiru’s long-standing contributions to Islamic education and peace efforts in Kaduna and across the country.

The raid, particularly given the Sheikh’s prominence in the Tijjaniya Sufi order, has sparked widespread public concern.