Nigeria court ruling to uphold Hijab ban angers Muslims in Lagos

The Lagos State Area Unit of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) is protesting the judgment delivered by Justice Grace Onyeabo of the Ikeja High Court.

On September 17, Onyeabo, a Christian, ruled against the use of Islamic headscarves in schools, claiming that it would affect the secular nature of Lagos.

The judge refused to pay heed to numerous arguments over the past two years that the Nigerian constitution and international laws guarantee the freedom of religion, thought and conscience.

However, the MSSN Lagos rejected the ruling, describing it as the rape of the constitution.

The MSSN Lagos says it will ask the court to put an end to the humiliation and harassment of female Muslims for wearing Hijab.

MSSN President Kaamil Kalejaiye said the contentious ruling would be appealed, adding, "We appreciate all the individuals and societies that attend the hearing, [and] we shall proceed to the court of appeal to secure our right [as is] guaranteed by the Nigerian constitution."

"It is shameful that the judge denied us a right that is not only Godly but constitutionally stated. Do we call that a misinterpretation of the constitution or rape of the code of law? We want to believe that the judge is not higher than the constitution and dictates of the constitution must stand at all times,” he said.

In addition to the current case, there are many legal challenges over Hijab which are pending in courts across Nigeria's southwestern region.

Two female nurses who were recently sacked due to their Hijab wearing are also in court seeking redress.