JIBWIS Faces Petition Over Alleged Politicisation of Izala Central Mosque in Jalingo
The leadership of Jama’atul Izalatul Bid’ah (JIBWIS) has been petitioned over the alleged abuse of religious authority and politicisation of Izala Central Mosque in Jalingo, Taraba State, with the petitioners demanding the immediate suspension of Sheikh Jalo as Imam pending an investigation.
The petition, dated October 30, 2026, was submitted by the Taraba Concerned Members of the Muslim Community, under the chairmanship of Abdulrasheed Tapheeda, and addressed to the national leadership of JIBWIS through its Taraba State leadership.
A copy of the petition was also forwarded to the organisation’s leader, Abdullahi Bala Lau.
The petitioners expressed concern over what they described as the alleged use of the mosque and the office of the Imam to advance partisan political interests, warning that such activities could undermine the spiritual purpose of the mosque and erode public confidence in religious institutions.
According to the petition, the mosque should remain a neutral place of worship, spiritual guidance and moral instruction, serving Muslims irrespective of their political affiliations, social status or ethnic background.
The group argued that the position of an Imam carries a sacred responsibility that must be exercised with fairness, impartiality and respect for the diversity of political opinions among worshippers.
Petitioners Demand Immediate Suspension
Among the principal demands of the petitioners is the immediate suspension of Sheikh Jalo as Imam of Izala Central Mosque, Jalingo, pending a fair and impartial investigation into the allegations.
They also called for the establishment of an independent disciplinary committee to examine the alleged use of mosque activities and the Imam’s office for partisan political mobilisation.
The petitioners urged JIBWIS to review the circumstances surrounding the alleged politicisation of mosque activities and determine whether any established religious or organisational principles had been violated.
They further called on the organisation to reaffirm its position on the separation of religious responsibilities from partisan political campaigns within places of worship.
Concerns Over Religious Neutrality
The petitioners maintained that allowing religious institutions to become instruments of partisan politics could create divisions among worshippers and threaten the unity of the Muslim community.
They stressed that Muslims attending the mosque may belong to different political parties and hold varying political opinions, insisting that the Imam must serve all worshippers without discrimination or political preference.
The group warned that any perceived political alignment by religious leaders could compromise the neutrality expected of places of worship and weaken the institutional integrity of JIBWIS.
Call for Accountability
While demanding disciplinary action pending investigation, the petitioners clarified that their submission was not intended to undermine Sheikh Jalo’s Islamic scholarship, personal dignity or religious contributions.
Rather, they described the petition as a call for accountability, institutional discipline and the protection of the sanctity of religious institutions.
“No individual, regardless of religious standing or position, should be above the principles, regulations and disciplinary procedures of the organisation,” the petition stated.
The group appealed to the JIBWIS leadership to treat the matter with urgency and take appropriate steps to restore confidence, unity and religious neutrality at the mosque.
JIBWIS Leadership Yet to Respond
The petition raises questions about the responsibility of religious organisations to maintain institutional neutrality and prevent places of worship from becoming platforms for partisan political activities.
However, the allegations against Sheikh Jalo remain claims made by the petitioners and have not been independently established.
As of the time of filing this report, no response from Sheikh Jalo or the JIBWIS leadership had been provided regarding the allegations or the demands contained in the petition.
The Analyst will continue to monitor the development and provide updates as further information becomes available.