Appeal Court Maintains Status Quo in Hijab Case

The Appeal Court has ordered that the status quo be maintained in the hijab case concerning Muslim female students at the University of Ibadan, with the matter adjourned to October 7. This order was made by a three-member panel led by Justice K.

Amadi on Wednesday. The court heard an application for an injunction pending appeal filed by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), represented by counsel Hassan Taiwo Fajimit.

The court cautioned against harassment or intimidation of Muslim students while the application is pending. The case, marked CA/IB/347/2024, is scheduled for hearing in the Ibadan Judicial Division.

The court directed that the existing situation be preserved until the hearing. This development follows a split decision that overturned an earlier ruling by the Oyo State High Court, which upheld the right of Muslim female students to wear hijab in schools.

The judgment has drawn strong reactions, with plans from Muslim groups to challenge the decision in the Supreme Court.