HIJAB BANNED IN LAGOS SCHOOLS!

The Muslim Students Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Area Unit has frowned at the judgement delivered by Justice Grace Onyeabo of the Ikeja High Court, Lagos on the ban of hijabs in primary and secondary schools in the state.

Onyeabo had on Friday, September 17, 2014 dismissed and ruled against the use of hijab in schools, claiming it would affect the secular nature of Lagos State.

The judge, a christian, neglected and rejected numerous arguments presented to her, during the about two-year case, that sections of the Nigerian constitution and international laws guaranteed the freedom of religion, thoughts and conscience.

It will be recalled that MSSN Lagos had approached the court to seek end to the humiliation and harassment of female Muslims from using hijab.

One of the scenarios of harassment stated by the group was that on February 5, 2013, Aisha, a JSS II student of Kadara Junior High School, Ebute Metta was flogged forty three (43) strokes of cane on the assembly ground by her principal, Mrs. E.C Ukpaka, because Aisha did not to remove her Hijab after coming out of Islamic Religious Knowledge class, where it is ordinarily permitted to adorn Hijab.

MSSN Lagos also mentioned that on February 20, 2013, Bareerah Tajudeen of Mafoloku Senior Grammar School, Oshodi had her Hijab removed and trampled upon by her principal, Mrs. Elizabeth Omidele, outside the school premises.

However, the society, through a press statement by its President, Alhaji Kaamil Kalejaiye said it rejected the judgement.
 
MSSN Lagos counsel, Chief Gani Adetola-Kassim (SAN), had after the judgement said an appeal would be filed. He said, “Well the court has spoken there are still very many issues to be considered which invariably means that we will appeal the judgment. “We are simply not satisfied with the court decision. The angle through which the court has looked at the issue is quite at variance with the provisions of the constitution. We will definitely appeal.” DailyPost