Oyo bans Islamic sect over terrorist activities

The Oyo State Government on Friday said it has proscribed an Islamic
group, Arsunah, in Iseyin area of the state over alleged rape, murder
and slavery.
The state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Taiwo
Otegbeye, said that the government considered the existence of the
sect as a threat to the society because of their inhuman and ruthless
activities, adding that the state Governor Abiola Ajimobi, suppported
the ban.
He said, "The Oyo State Executive Council has confirmed the
proscription of an Islamic sect, Arsunah, which has its camp on
Kilometre 5, Ibadan/Iseyin Road. Governor Ajimobi had directed that
the Islamic sect, headed by Yunus Adefabi, must not exist any longer
because of its nefarious activities. The activities of the sect
include rape, murder and attempted murder.
"The governor has the power under the state criminal code to proscribe
any association or society that is not working within the confines of
laws of the state and he has used this power to ban the sect even as
requested by the people of Iseyin council area."
Otegbeye said the sect had existed for a number of years but
allegation of their despicable activities came to the fore after they
occupied the portion of land from where they ran the camp.
"We noticed this group a few months ago after the people of the area
called the attention of the state to its activities. The state
government took action immediately and investigated the group's
activities, which revealed loads of inhuman actions which also
included slavery. The state will not watch while some people hide
under religion to terrorise its people. The major actors are in court
already."
Asked if the state had not pre-empted court decision by quickly
proscribing the group without waiting for judgment, Otegbeye said it
was a matter that required prompt intervention as waiting for the
court proceeding could lengthen the suffering of the people in the
hands of the sect.
"We do not want to experience a resurgence of a sect similar to Boko
Haram. Oyo State is a peaceful place to live and the government is
ready to protect lives and property of its people," he said.