The Muslim Youth Council of Nigeria (MYCN), Rivers State Chapter, joins the entire Muslim community in Rivers State, Nigeria and the entire world in expressing profound gratitude to Almighty Allah for the landmark judgment of the Supreme Court delivered on 10th February 2026, affirming the constitutional right of Muslim students to worship freely within the Rivers State University campus.
This historic judgment is not only a victory for Muslim students but also a reaffirmation of the constitutional guarantees of freedom of thought, conscience, and religion for all Nigerians. As indigenous Muslims of Rivers State, this decision strengthens our sense of belonging and will have a far-reaching positive impact on our children, ensuring that they grow in an environment that respects their faith and identity.
We sincerely appreciate the exemplary leadership of Al-Usrah Incorporated, ably led by Imam Prof. Abdul Razaq Kilani and Imam Muyideen Oloyede. The organisation has consistently provided a platform upon which the Muslim community thrives. Their unwavering support throughout the legal processes, as well as their continuous efforts in employment assistance, empowerment initiatives, emotional encouragement, and material support, have been invaluable. We pray that Almighty Allah rewards them abundantly and grants them continued strength in their service to the Ummah.
We also express our deep appreciation to the Chairman of the law firm Oloriegbe & Co. and the entire legal team led by Barrister Sanusi Abdul Qaniyu Abiodun, Barrister Afolabi, and their associates. The firm has consistently stood by the Muslim community and has always been available whenever called upon. Their professionalism, dedication, and commitment to justice played a crucial role in this historic victory.
Background of the Case:
The dispute, which spanned over a decade and traversed multiple judicial tiers, originated in 2012 during the administration of Governor Chibuike Amaechi. Muslim students alleged that the Rivers State University authorities deprived them of their right to observe prayers and erect structures associated with Islamic worship within the Nkpolu Oroworukwo campus.
In Suit No. FHC/PH/CS/150/2012 before the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt Division, the claimants, led by Umaru Wazuru and 98 others, represented by the law firm of Oloriegbe & Co., challenged the actions of the then Vice Chancellor of RSUST and the Attorney General of Rivers State. They sought declaratory relief that the university’s restrictions were unconstitutional and discriminatory, including an order mandating the allocation of a designated parcel of land for Muslim worship, similar to facilities available to their Christian counterparts.
This legal action was initiated only after all avenues of dialogue with the university and state government had been exhausted. Appeals were even made through respected traditional and religious leaders, including outreach to the Sultan of Sokoto, who delegated the Emir of Ilorin, yet no resolution was achieved.
On 19 February 2013, the Federal High Court ruled in favour of the Muslim students, holding that prohibiting them from establishing a place of worship while churches existed on campus violated their constitutional rights. The court further directed the university to allocate appropriate space for Muslim worship. The Amaechi administration subsequently appealed the judgment.
Appeal and Affirmation:
The appeal, filed as Appeal No. CA/PH/614/2015 was heard by the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt Division. Despite continued legal pursuit under the subsequent administration, the appellate court, in a unanimous decision delivered on 31 March 2017, dismissed the appeal for lacking merit and affirmed the judgment of the Federal High Court.
Supreme Court Decision:
The matter proceeded to the Supreme Court in Suit No. SC/055/2018 (The Vice Chancellor, Rivers State University of Science and Technology & Ors v. Umaru Wazuru & 98 Ors). The appeal, filed in 2018, was heard and conclusively determined on 10 February 2026, when the Supreme Court unanimously dismissed the university’s appeal. This final decision effectively ends all litigation on the matter and affirms the binding judgments recognizing the students’ right to worship and to be allocated a befitting place for Islamic religious activities within the university campus.
Reflections and Ongoing Concerns:
The Muslim community in Rivers State has endured significant challenges in the past, including the destruction of our mosque in Trans-Amadi during the previous administration under Governor Nyesom Wike. That incident remains a painful chapter in our collective memory and is still the subject of ongoing litigation. We respectfully urge the current Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara, to kindly intervene and facilitate an amicable resolution of the Trans-Amadi mosque matter in the spirit of justice, reconciliation, and peaceful coexistence.
We also remember with appreciation the supportive gestures of former Governor Dr Peter Odili, particularly during Ramadan and Hajj sponsorship, which remain memorable to our community.
Furthermore, we respectfully call on His Excellency Governor Fubara to ensure full compliance with the Supreme Court judgment by directing the prompt provision of a designated place of worship within the university. We appeal for greater inclusion of indigenous Muslims in governance through appointments into commissions, boards, and parastatals, and for meaningful engagement of Muslim youths in the affairs of the state.
Legal Implications:
Under Nigerian constitutional jurisprudence, decisions of the Supreme Court are final and binding on all authorities and persons. Compliance with this judgment is therefore not optional. Any failure to adhere to subsisting court orders may expose responsible officials or institutions to contempt proceedings and the attendant legal consequences.
Conclusion:
This victory is a triumph of justice, patience, and faith. We reaffirm our commitment to unity, peace, and the collective development of Rivers State. We pray that this judgment marks the beginning of deeper mutual respect, inclusiveness, and harmonious coexistence among all religious communities in our dear state.
Comrade Kagbara is the Rivers State Chairman of the Muslim Youth Council of Nigeria
