The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has accused the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and other Christian groups of showing disregard for the rule of law over their insistence on continuing preaching in commercial buses despite an existing legal prohibition.
MURIC’s position follows remarks by PFN President, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, who reportedly vowed to mobilise millions of Christians to defy the ban and continue evangelism in public transport.
In a statement issued on August 5, 2026, and signed by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, the Islamic human rights organisation described the stance as an incitement to disobey the law and a potential trigger for public disorder.
The group argued that preaching in commercial vehicles has long been prohibited under Section 10(4) of the Federal Road Safety Commission (Establishment) Act, 2007, as well as Regulation 220 of the National Road Traffic Regulations (2012). It noted that recent discussions at the National Assembly merely reaffirmed existing provisions rather than introducing a new law.
MURIC criticised what it described as a lack of respect for public space and social order, stressing that religious activities should not infringe on the comfort and safety of other commuters.
While calling for calm among Muslims, the organisation urged its members to avoid confrontation and instead document violations and report offenders to law enforcement agencies, including the police and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
The group also appealed to federal and state governments to enforce the existing regulations, lamenting what it described as years of weak implementation.
MURIC warned that continued defiance of the law could escalate tensions, adding that it may be compelled to take further action by formally engaging authorities if enforcement remains ineffective.
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The organisation emphasised its commitment to peaceful engagement, reiterating its motto, “Dialogue, Not Violence,” while calling on religious leaders to promote tolerance and respect for the law.
The controversy over bus preaching has sparked renewed debate nationwide on the balance between religious freedom and public order, with stakeholders divided over enforcement of the long-standing regulation.
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