ISI-UI Hijab case: Muslim scholars fault Appeal Court ruling, backs Supreme Court appeal

The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States (ROOBITOH), has expressed concern over the Friday’s judgment of the Court of Appeal in the case involving the use of Hijab by Muslim female students of the International School, Ibadan, (ISI).

The League on Friday in a joint statement said while it respects the judiciary as a key institution in Nigeria’s democracy, it is deeply concerned with aspects of the ruling that appear to limit the religious rights of Muslim students in a private educational institution.

“For Muslims, the Hijab is not merely a cultural symbol or a matter of personal preference. It is an act of religious observance rooted in the teachings of the Noble Qur’an and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad. Any restriction affecting its observance naturally raises serious concern within the Muslim community,” the statement said.

ROOBITOH noted that the Court itself acknowledged that the students “ought not to have been confined against their will” and awarded damages.

However, the League said broader constitutional questions on religious freedom remain unresolved and require clarification from the Supreme Court.

They said, “We believe that obtaining clarity from the apex court will contribute significantly to the development of Nigerian constitutional law regarding the relationship between institutional regulations and the fundamental right to freedom of religion.”

The organisation expressed solidarity with the affected students and their parents, and encouraged the continuation of all lawful legal processes, including an appeal to the Supreme Court.

The League described the case as a “wake-up call” for the Muslim Ummah to invest in knowledge, unity, legal advocacy, and institutional development to protect constitutional rights.

It also called on Muslim lawyers, scholars, and organizations such as NSCIA, MUSWEN, NACOMYO, MSSN, JNI, and the Muslim Lawyers’ Association to support the legal process through scholarship and unity.

ROOBITOH urged Muslims to remain calm and avoid actions that could undermine peace, stressing that Islam teaches justice, patience, and respect for lawful institutions. It also called on parents, schools, and community leaders to promote awareness on preserving the religious identity of Muslim children through education and dialogue.