Tensions in Kaduna as Islamic Police Launch Manhunt for Escaped Human Rights Advocate

Tensions are mounting in Kaduna, northern Nigeria as the Hisbah Islamic police commenced a serious manhunt for a human rights advocate, Temitope Aruwajoye, who reportedly escaped from a Sharia detention facility in the Basawa area of Zaria, Kaduna State, few days ago.

Temitope Aruwajoye, originally from Lagos State was arrested in her residence in Basawa village by operatives of the Hisbah Islamic police about 3:00 P.M last Sunday.

She is known for her outspoken advocacy against early marriage and education for girls in northern Nigeria.

Sources revealed that the group believed her escape was facilitated by external assistance as this prompted her being declare wanted, afterwards.

Though details surrounding her escape remain scarce at press time, sources disclosed that the Hisbah Islamic police held Temitope incommunicado for several days pending her arraignment before a Sharia court on Emir Road, Zaria.

Concerns were expressed about her being stone to death if Sharia laws were applied in Temitope Aruwajoye travails.

Efforts to reach Aruwajoye’s husband, Mr. Damilola Akinwumi, for comment were unsuccessful. However, a close friend who identified herself simply as Ramata told our correspondent that threats against Aruwajoye escalated after her involvement in Rufiat’s case. “They have been trying to silence her since she started teaching girls about their rights. Now they want to eliminate her for liberating their female children.

“Rufiat, a 13-year-old girl who, after receiving awareness training from Aruwajoye’s organization, declined to proceed with a marriage arranged by her father, a prominent Izala Islamic figure in Zaria”.

Rufiat’s refusal, it was learnt though supported by her mother, sparked condemnations among some high profile Islamic leaders, with some accusing Aruwajoye of “corrupting Islamic values.”

The whereabouts of the human rights activist remain unknown at press time.

Contacted, Kaduna State Police Command spokesman, ASP Mukhtar Aliyu, advised the fleeing activist, Temitope Aruwajoye to submit herself for trial as the police cannot assure her safety while on the run.

“As a law enforcement agency, we encourage citizens to respect local traditions for peaceful coexistence. The police cannot be everywhere and may not always guarantee the safety of individuals whose actions are considered provocative by their communities”, ASP Aliyu said.