The Oyo State Command of the Department of State Services (DSS) has successfully prevented a potential ethno-religious crisis in Oyo town through swift and impartial handling of two volatile incidents that threatened public peace and national security.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-IDRI-Masterclass.png")
According to an impeccable source within the DSS, the agency intervened in two separate situations – a proposal by Islamic clerics to establish a Sharia Court and the subsequent public burning of the Quran by a traditionalist. Both incidents had generated significant uproar on social media.
The crisis began when Islamic clerics announced plans to set up a Sharia Court in Oyo town. The DSS promptly invited the clerics for a sensitization session, informing them that only the Nigerian Constitution allows the establishment of courts. Following this intervention, the clerics withdrew their proposal and later published a retraction in national newspapers.
“Shortly after the Islamic Clerics announced plans to establish Sharia Court in the ancient town of Oyo in Oyo State, the State Command of the SSS invited them for an ‘Interview,'” the source disclosed. “During the session, they were made aware of the fact that the establishment of a Court is a Constitutional matter, hence no individual or group can decide on it. The decision of the Clerics to drop the plan was made shortly after the sensitisation by the Service.”
In a related development, the DSS arrested a traditionalist who publicly burned the Quran and shared the act on social media. Vanguard learnt that the suspect, whose video included incitement and boasts of impunity, is being investigated and will face prosecution for offenses related to incitement, disturbance of public peace, and threats to national security.
The DSS attributed its successful interventions to professionalism and a commitment to preventing the escalation of incidents that could lead to widespread violence. The agency stressed that its actions were balanced and necessary to uphold national security.
“The balancing act doused the volatile situations, thereby preventing potential ethno-religious crisis, which would have threatened national security,” the source stated. “If you listen to the video (by the traditionalist), which was made in Yoruba language, you would hear the suspect inciting the public by boasting that there will be no consequence for the action.”
The source added, “Plans have been concluded to arraign the suspect in court for prosecution on offences bordering on possible incitement, disturbance of public peace and threat to national security. But for the efforts of the DSS, the situation would have degenerated to a point where youths of a particular region would have carried out attacks on people with different religious beliefs. The DSS is not driven by any factor other than professionalism, patriotism, national spirit and the need to protect national security from violation.”
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation
______________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
