The incident occurred at about 2 p.m. on Sunday at the Angle 90 area of Uromi, in Esan North-East local government area of Edo.

Eyewitnesses said the Islamic cleric was abducted shortly after observing one of the daily prayers.

He had reportedly stepped out to buy food for his family when he was forcefully taken away near his residence.

Confirming the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, the chairman of the Edo State chapter of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, Alhaji Abdulazeez Igbinidu, described the act as inglorious and unacceptable.

He strongly condemned the abduction and called for the immediate and unconditional release of the Islamic leader.

“I am hearing that they are asking for a very big amount of money and we don’t have such.

“Even if you have, if you do such a thing, you are encouraging them,” he said.

The chairman called on the Edo government to measure up and do everything possible to protect the ordinary citizens in the state.

“They are the ones that have the apparatus for security. So they should do everything possible to ensure that Imam is released unconditionally and without harm.

“Government should also put up all efforts to ensure that the citizens are able to sleep well with the two eyes closed and walk freely without fear of kidnapping or assassination,” he said.

A family source told NAN that the suspected kidnappers had since reached out, demanding a ransom of N30 million.

The incident has sparked widespread concern among the Muslim community in the state, considering the abductee’s dual role as both a revered religious leader and an advocate for youth development.

The Police command spokesperson in Edo, CSP Moses Yamu, who confirmed the incident to NAN, said, “It was reported to us.”

“Efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim and track down the culprits,” he said.

The post Gunmen kidnap Chief Imam of Uromi in Edo appeared first on Frontpageng.

This is as the council also declared that the winners were the qualified candidates to represent Nigeria at the different categories of the 2025 international Quranic competition.

FrontPage reports that the 39^th edition of the National Qur’anic Recitation Competition was held between December 20 and 28, 2024.

According to a statement issued by the Secretary-General of the NSCIA, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, the competition, which featured six categories, was organised by the accredited agent of the Council on all Musabaqah-related matters – Centre for Islamic Studies, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, on behalf of the entire Ummah in Nigeria.

READ ALSO: Police confirm kidnap of two Catholic nuns in Anambra

He stated that the council expected that all the winners would continue to be worthy ambassadors of Islam and the Ummah in both learning and character.

The results of the six categories of the competition (for both females and males) are as follows:

1^ST CATEGORY

MEMORIZATION OF THE WHOLE QUR’AN WITH TAFSIR & QIRA’AT

2^nd CATEGORY

MEMORIZATION OF THE WHOLE QUR’AN WITH TAFSIR

3^rd CATEGORY

MEMORIZATION OF 60 HIZBS OF THE GLORIOUS QUR’AN

 4^TH CATEGORY

MEMORIZATION OF 30 HIZB OF THE GLORIOUS QUR’AN

 5^TH CATEGORY

MEMORIZATION OF 10 HIZBS OF THE GLORIOUS QUR’AN & TANGHEEM

 6^TH CATEGORY

MEMORIZATION OF 2 CONSECUTIVE HIZBS OF THE GLORIOUS QUR’AN

The post Int’l Quranic recitation competition: NSCIA lists Nigeria’s representatives   appeared first on Frontpageng.

The incident also left many injured and property destroyed.

The NSCIA expressed the sympathy in a statement issued on Friday by its Deputy Secretary-General, Prof. Salisu Shehu.

The council also commiserated with the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Umar ibn Garbai Elkanemi.

“May Allah give you the fortitude to bear this monumental trial,” NSCIA prayed.

The group commended the efforts and the empathy of the federal and Borno State governments on the matter.

“We, however, wish to implore them to further deploy all their machineries, particularly the entire emergency management agencies and most importantly the Northeast Development Commission to ensure that this disaster is efficiently managed to reduce the sufferings of the thousands of the victims. Also, governments at all levels should put in place necessary measures to avert the recurrence of such unfortunate incidents,” NSCIA said.

READ ALSO: NBS report: Tinubu assures of a robust economy

The group asserted that it was sad that the unfortunate development happened at a time when Nigerians generally were grappling to survive, owing to the effect of the current economic reforms by the federal government.

It is “a tragedy too many,” the council declared.

The council prayed that Almighty Allah should repose the souls of the departed and grant the injured quick recovery.

It also prayed that Allah would replenish those who had lost their wealth and property.

The group said: “At the end, we wish to remind our brothers and sisters with the verse below: “And surely, We shall try you with something of fear and hunger, and loss of wealth and lives and crops, but give glad tidings to the steadfast. Who say, when a misfortune striketh them: Lo! We are from Allah and lo! Unto Him we are returning.” (Suratul Baqarah: 155 & 156).

The post Maiduguri flood: NSCIA commiserates with govt, people of Borno appeared first on Frontpageng.

The date is equivalent to 29th Sha’aban 1445 AH.

The call followed the advice of the National Moon Sighting Committee, NMSC.

The announcement was made in a statement by the Deputy Secretary General of the NSCIA, Prof. Salisu Shehu, on Friday.

“If the crescent is sighted by Muslims of impeccable character on the said evening, then His Eminence would declare Monday, 11th March 2024 as the first day of Ramadan 1445 AH. If, however, the crescent is not sighted that day, then, Tuesday, 12th March 2024, automatically becomes the first of Ramadan, 1445 AH,” the statement reads in part.

The Islamic body gave the names and contact details of those to be reached upon sighting of the moon as:

The post Ramadan: Begin search for new moon, NSCIA urges muslims appeared first on Frontpageng.

Shawwal is the 10^th month of the Islamic calendar.

It comes immediately after Ramadan, the month of fasting.

Abubakar made the declaration on Thursday in a broadcast in Sokoto following the sighting of the crescent of Shawwal 1444 AH.

He said the sighting of reports for the sighting of the moon was received from different states and organisations in Nigeria.

His words:  “Today April 20, which is equivalent to the 29th day of Ramadan marked the end of Ramadan fasting by the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria.

“Therefore, Friday April 21, becomes the first day of Shawwal 1444 AH and the day for Eid-el-Fitr in the country.

“We thank the Almighty Allah for the blessings in our country and pray for our elected leaders to have the wisdom of leading the country to the right path.”

While urging Muslims to pray for peace in the country, the Sultan stressed the need to sustain the habits and behaviours exhibited during the month of Ramadan.

Recall that the NSCIA on Tuesday called on Muslims in the country to search for the crescent of Shawwal 1444A.H. immediately after sunset on Thursday, 29th Ramadan 1444 A.H. which is equivalent to April 20, 2023.

That was to be able to determine the exact day of this year’s Eid-el Fitr.

Eid-el-Fitr is celebrated upon completion of fasting in the month of Ramadan.

It was upon sighting the moon on the date by Muslims in accordance with the moon sighting and verification standards that the Abubakar declared the day for Eid-el-Fitr.

The post BREAKING: Sultan declares Friday Eid-el-Fitr appeared first on Frontpageng.

This is to be able to determine the exact day of this year’s Eid-el Fitr.

Eid-el-Fitr is celebrated upon completion of fasting in the month of Ramadan.

Upon sighting the moon on the date by Muslims in accordance with the moon sighting and verification standards, the President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, will declare Friday, April 21, 2023 as the 1st of Shawwal and the day of Eid-el-Fitr.

In a statement by its director of administration, Zubairu Haruna Usman-Ugwu, NSCIA said however, if the crescent is not sighted on that day, then Saturday, April 22, 2023, automatically becomes the Eid-ul-Fitri.

The statement by the council reads in full.

1444 A.H. ‘IDUL FITR GOODWILL MESSAGE AND FELICITATIONS

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, felicitates the Nigerian Muslim ‘Ummah and indeed the entire Muslim world on the auspicious occasion of the 1444 A.H. ‘Idul Fitr. We beseech Allah to grant everyone the opportunity to witness many more of it.

In the spirit of Ramadan, Muslims are reminded that Zakatul Fitr is a compulsory food-levy imposed on privileged Muslims, to be given to the less privileged in the society. The Council, therefore, appeals to all concerned to ensure that they do not only comply but also comply on time. The stipulated practice is to give out the prescribed measurement to beneficiaries in the last two days of Ramadan and not later than before the ‘Id prayer.

Consequent upon the advice of the National Moon-Sighting Committee (NMSC), the President-General enjoins the Nigerian Muslim Ummah to search for the crescent of Shawwal 1444 A.H. immediately after sunset on Thursday, 29th Ramadan 1444 A.H. which is equivalent to 20th April 2023.

If the crescent is sighted by Muslims in accordance with the moon sighting and verification standards, then His Eminence would declare Friday, 21st April 2023 as the 1st of Shawwal and the day of ‘Idul Fitr. However, if the crescent is not sighted that day, then Saturday, 22nd April 2023, automatically becomes the day of ‘Idul Fitr.

In addition to the established and traditional Islamic leaders in each locality, the following members of the National Moon-Sighting Committee (NMSC) can be contacted to report any credible and positive sighting of the crescent of Shawwal 1444 AH:

S/N NAME     PHONE NO.   EMAIL ADDRESS         

1      Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi  08036121311        sayyadibashir26@yahoo.com

2      Sheikh Karibullah Kabara   08035537382        malamkabara@yahoo.com

3      Sheikh Habeebullah Adam Abdullahi Al-Ilory        08023126335        habibelilory@ymail.com

4      Prof. Z. I. Oboh Oseni 08033574431      oseni@unilorin.edu.ng

wazzioseni@gmail.com

5      Mal. Simwal Usman Jibrin 08033140010        simwaljibril@yahoo.com

6      Sheikh Salihu Yaaqub 07032558231        salihumy11@hotmail.com.com

7      Mal. Jafar Abubakar   08020878075        jaafaraa1434@gmail.com

8      Alh. Abdullahi Umar   08037020607        waziringwandu@yahoo.com

9      Prof. J. M. Kaura  08067050641      jmkaura56@yahoo.com

10   Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar         08036509363          baumar277@gmail.com

11   Muhammad Rabiu Salahudeen        08035740333        muhammadrabiusalahudeen@gmail.com

12   Sheikh Abdur Rasheed Mayaleke     08035050804        jentleasad@yahoo.com

13   Dr. Ganiy I. Agbaje      08028327463

08057752980      ganiy.agbaje@nasrda.gov.ng

gagbaje@yahoo.co.uk

14   Gafar M. Kuforiji 08033545208        kuforijiabdulwasiu@gmail.com

15   Prof. Usman El-Nafaty        08062870892        elnafaty@gmail.com

16   Mal. Ibrahim Zubairu Salihu      08038522693        zubairusalisu@yahoo.com

17   Imam Manu

Muhammad  08036999841      limaminmisau@gmail.com

18   Qadee Ahmad Bobboy       08035914285        adamawaemiratecouncil@yahoo.com

19   Nurudeen Asunogie    08033533012        hamdallah1999@yahoo.com

20   Sheikh Bala Lau    08037008805

08052426880      balalaujibwisnigeria@gmail.com 

21   Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir  08065687545        ustaznasirabdulmuhyi@yahoo.com

22   Sheikh AbdurRahman Ahmad   08023141752        aahmadimam@yahoo.co.uk

23   Muhammad Yaseen Qamarud-Deen      08055322087        crescentgroup2000@gmail.com 

24   Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu 08037157100        sultanofsokoto@yaho.co.uk

 25   Sheikh Lukman Abdallah    08052242252        abuyatamaa@gmail.com

26   Sheikh  Sulaiman Gumi       08033139153        ssgummi@gmail.com

27   Arc. Zubairu Usman-Ugwu        08033467451        zeeusman2012@gmail.com

28   Alh. AbdulBariu Kareem     09096369117        donbru11@yahoo.com

29   Prof. Kamil K. Oloso    08023098661      kkoloso@yahoo.com

30   Malam Usman Mahmud    08034540120        turjajawaizu@gmail.com

31   Malam Yahaya Boyi    08030413634        sultanofsokoto@yahoo.co.uk 

32   Ustaz Mukail Abdurraheem      08099370109        mikailabdurraheem@gmail.com

33   Ustaz Nurudeen Ibrahim    08027091623        nurudeen.a.o.ibrahim@gmail.com

The Council encourages all Muslims to pray fervently to the Almighty Allah, especially during the concluding part of Ramadan, for the peace, security and development of Nigeria.

While wishing us all happy ‘Idul Fitr, the Council enjoins Muslims all over the country to be on the lookout for the announcement to be made by His Eminence, the President-General of NSCIA on the night of Thursday 20th of April, 2023.

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This is made known in a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the board, Alhaji Ibrahim Lawan, on Thursday in Kano.

The Commander-General of the board, Dr Harun Ibn-Sina, said: “Hisbah corps will visit mosques during Iftar, Tarawih, Tahajjud prayers to protect worshippers and their property from unpatriotic elements.

“Those who engage in societal vices during this sacred month will be dealt with. Some of the youths who eat in the public during fasting period will not be spared either.”

Ibn-Sina called on the general public to assist orphans and the needy, in a bid to give them succour.

He said that feeding others during the holy month was rewarding as Allah (SWT), ‘’opens the doors of paradise, as such, there was the need to multiply good deeds to gain Allah’s favour.’’

Ibn-Sina said that clothing, food items, grains, water and cash, could also be given to those in need.

The Sultan of Sokoto and President of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, Sa’ad Abubakar III, in a broadcast on Wednesday night announced the start of fasting on Thursday.

Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and heightened devotion and worship.

Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam.

Source: NAN

The post Ramadan: Kano Hisbah deploys personnel to mosques appeared first on Frontpageng.

The 29^th of Sha’aban 1444 A.H. is equivalent to March 22, 2023.

The call is said to have followed the advice of the National Moon-Sighting Committee, NMSC.

In a statement signed by its Director of Administraion, Arc. Zubairu Haruna Usman-Ugwu, NSCIA, said if the crescent is sighted by Muslims of impeccable character on the said evening, the President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, would declare Thursday, March 23, 2023 as the first day of Ramadan 1444 A.H.

It said, if, however, the crescent is not sighted that day, then, Friday, March 24, 2023 shall automatically become the first day of Ramadan.

NSCIA said in addition to the established and traditional Islamic leaders in each locality, the following members of the National Moon-Sighting Committee, NMSC, could be be contacted to report any credible and positive sighting of the crescent of Ramadan 1444 AH:

1      Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi  08036121311        Sayyadibashir26@yahoo.com

2      Sheikh  Karibullah Kabara 08035537382        malamkabara@yahoo.com

3      Sheikh Habeebullah Adam Abdullahi Al-Ilory 08023126335        habibelilory@ymail.com

4      Prof. Z. I. Oboh Oseni 08033574431      oseni@unilorin.edu.ng

wazzioseni@gmail.com

5      Mal. Simwal Usman Jibrin 08033140010        simwaljibril@yahoo.com

6      Sheikh  Salihu Yaaqub         07032558231        Salihumy11@hotmail.com.com

7      Mal. Jafar Abubakar    08020878075        Jaafaraa1434@gmail.com

8      Alh. Abdullahi Umar    08037020607        waziringwandu@yahoo.com

9      Prof. J. M. Kaura  08067050641      Jmkaura56@yahoo.com

10   Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar         08036509363          Baumar277@gmail.com

11   Muhammad Rabiu Salahudeen        08035740333        muhammadrabiusalahudeen@gmail.com

12   Sheikh Abdur Rasheed Mayaleke     08035050804        jentleasad@yahoo.com

13   Dr. Ganiy I. Agbaje      08028327463

08057752980      Ganiy.agbaje@nasrda.gov.ng

gagbaje@yahoo.co.uk

14   Gafar M. Kuforiji 08033545208        kuforijiabdulwasiu@gmail.com

15   Prof. Usman El-Nafaty        08062870892        elnafaty@gmail.com

16   Mal. Ibrahim Zubairu Salihu      08038522693        zubairusalisu@yahoo.com

17   Imam Manu

Muhammad  08036999841      limaminmisau@gmail.com

18   Qadee Ahmad Bobboy       08035914285        adamawaemiratecouncil@yahoo.com

19   Nurudeen Asunogie    08033533012        hamdallah1999@yahoo.com

20   Sheikh  Bala Lau   08037008805

08052426880      balalaujibwisnigeria@gmail.com

21   Sheikh  Sani Yahaya Jingir  08065687545        ustaznasirabdulmuhyi@yahoo.com

22   Sheikh  AbdurRahman Ahmad  08023141752        aahmadimam@yahoo.co.uk

23   Muhammad Yaseen Qamarud-Deen       08055322087        crescentgroup2000@gmail.com

24   Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu  08037157100        sultanofsokoto@yaho.co.uk

25   Sheikh  Lukman Abdallah   08052242252        abuyatamaa@gmail.com

26   Sheikh  Sulaiman Gumi       08033139153        ssgummi@gmail.com

27   Arc. Zubairu Usman-Ugwu 08033467451        Zeeusman2012@gmail.com

28   Alh. AbdulBariu Kareem     09096369117        Donbru11@yahoo.com

29   Prof. Kamil K. Oloso    08023098661      kkoloso@yahoo.com

30   Malam Usman Mahmud    08034540120        turjajawaizu@gmail.com

31   Malam Yahaya Boyi    08030413634        sultanofsokoto@yahoo.co.uk

32   Ustaz Mukail Abdurraheem      08099370109        mikailabdurraheem@gmail.com

33   Ustaz Nurudeen Ibrahim    08027091623        Nurudeen.a.o.ibrahim@gmail.com

The statement by the NSCIA reads in part:

“Council enjoins all Muslims to be more prayerful unto Allah, especially in the month of Ramadan; that He should grant us peace, stability, unity and progress in Nigeria.

“Furthermore, Council urges Muslim politicians to display the spirit of brotherhood and solidarity both of which represent some of the core lessons of Ramadan. Let those who emerged victorious in the just concluded elections remember that it is the Almighty Allah Who grants power to whom He wishes. Also, those who lost should accept same with faith and resist any act that may cause disaffection and disunity within the Ummah.

“Council also appeals to endowed Muslims in the country to extend their acts of charity to the less privileged within their neighbourhoods before, during and after the month of Ramadan. We also admonish traders not to hoard food products or unduly hike the prices of consumer goods during the period of fasting.

“Council hereby enjoins Muslims all over the country to be on the lookout, on the night of Wednesday, 22nd of March 2023, for the announcement by His Eminence, the President-General of NSCIA, of the commencement of the year 1444 A.H. Ramadan fast.

“We wish all Nigerian Muslims and their counterparts all over the world happy Ramadan in advance.

“Allahuma Baligna Ramadan!”

The post Ramadan: NSCIA calls on muslim ummah to search for crescent appeared first on Frontpageng.

The President-General of the Council and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, made the appeal in a statement by the Director of Administration, NSCIA, Malam Zubairu Usman-Ugwu, on Thursday in Abuja.

The Sultan enjoined Muslims all over the country to be on the lookout for the announcement on the night of Friday (April 1) for the commencement of the 1443 AH Ramadan fast.

He also appealed to endowed Muslims in the country to extend acts of charity to the less-privileged within their neighbourhoods before, during and after the month of Ramadan.

“The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, felicitates with the entire Muslim Ummah on the auspicious occasion of the forthcoming 1443AH Ramadan Fast.

“The Council prays that Allah spares the lives of every Muslim to participate in the ibaadah (worship) exercise and to maximise the benefits therein.

“Consequent upon the advice of the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC), Sultan enjoins the Nigerian Muslim Ummah to search for the crescent of Ramadan 1443AH immediately after sunset on Friday, April 1, 2022, which is equivalent to Sha’aban 29, 1443AH.

“If the crescent is sighted by Muslims of impeccable character on the said evening, then Sultan will declare Saturday, April 2, 2022, as the first day of Ramadan 1443AH.

“If, however, the crescent is not sighted that day, then, Sunday, April 3, 2022, automatically becomes the first of Ramadan, 1443AH,” the statement reads in part.

Sultan, therefore, enjoined all Muslims to be more prayerful unto Allah, especially in the month of Ramadan to help the nation, the world in general and leaders in particular to overcome the current challenges confronting the nation and the world.

“Furthermore, Council urges Muslims and non-Muslims alike to be vigilant and take extra security and health-measures to protect ourselves, loved ones and neighbours.

“Fasting brothers and sisters should ensure they have enough rest and consume sufficient fluid after each day’s fast,” it stated.

Source: NAN

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NSCIA identified the travellers as Muslims.

While affirming the statements by governors of Plateau  and Ondo states that it was a case of mistaken identity and not particularly intended for the Muslims, the Council appealed to all Muslims to be calm and that nobody should take laws into his or her hands.

The council, in a statement issued by its Director of Administration, Zubairu Haruna Usman-Ugwu, re-emphasized that no human life deserved to be wasted on any ground be it religious or ethnic.

The council said it was monitoring the investigation and would ensure that justice was done.

The statement reads further: “In the spirit of the Islamic injunction, ‘O you who have believed! If some transgressors bring you news (that requires taking action), verify it carefully (before you believe and act upon it), lest you harm a people in ignorance and then become regretful for what you have done’ (Qur’an 49:6), we re-assure all peace-loving individuals and groups that appropriate actions would be taken subsequent to a thorough investigation.

“In the meantime, while efforts are on to locate the eight missing Muslims, the Council urges the security agencies to fish out all the perpetrators of the dastardly acts and ensure that adequate justice is done.

“The Council commiserates with all Muslims, particularly Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, the host of the religious event from which the victims were returning.

“The Council prays that Almighty Allah heals the wounded and grant Al-jannah to the departed martyrs. Amin.”

The post  NSCIA condemns Plateau killing, appeals for calm appeared first on Frontpageng.