Nigeria’s Muslims have described a ruling by an Ikeja High Court to maintain a ban on the Hijab in public primary and secondary schools in the state as “shameful”.
The Lagos State Area Unit of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) is protesting the September 17 judgment delivered by Justice Grace Onyeabo, who ruled against the use of Islamic headscarves in schools, claiming that it would affect the secular nature of Lagos.
The Christian judge refused to pay heed to numerous arguments over the past two years that the Nigerian constitution and international laws guarantee the freedom of religion, thought and conscience.
MSSN President Kaamil Kalejaiye said the contentious ruling would be appealed, adding, “We appreciate all the individuals and societies that attended the hearing, and we shall proceed to the court of appeal to secure our right as guaranteed by the Nigerian constitution.
“It is shameful that the judge denied us a right that is not only Godly but constitutionally stated. Do we call that a misinterpretation of the constitution or rape of the code of law? We want to believe that the judge is not higher than the constitution and dictates of the constitution must stand at all times.”
In addition to the current case, there are other legal challenges related to the Hijab pending in courts across Nigeria’s southwestern region. Two nurses who were recently sacked for wearing the headwear are also seeking redress in court.
