The Nasrul-Lahi-li Fathi Society of Nigeria (NASFAT) has warned against what it described as the growing misuse of Qur’anic verses and prophetic traditions to justify the abuse and discrimination of women and girls, describing the trend as dangerous, misleading, and un-Islamic.
The organisation issued the warning on Wednesday as part of its activities marking the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
It stated that many acts of violence carried out in the name of Islam were rooted in harmful cultural beliefs, ignorance, and extremism, not in the teachings of the faith.
According to NASFAT in a statement shared with The PUNCH, Islam promotes justice, dignity, and compassion for all human beings, stressing that no verse of the Qur’an or hadith supported the oppression of women.
The Society listed several widespread misconceptions used to excuse abusive behaviour, such as the claim that Hawwā’ (Eve) was responsible for Adam’s fall, the false notion that killing non-Muslims guarantees “72 virgins,” and the misinterpretation of verses on polygyny and marital conflict.
NASFAT also flagged the misuse of texts on inheritance, the hadith on women’s “deficiency,” and the story of Prophet Yūsuf, pointing out that such narratives were frequently taken out of context to reinforce patriarchal norms.
According to NASFAT, Prophet Muḥammad (Peace Be Upon Him) honoured women, condemned injustice, and embodied compassion, principles that directly contradicted any form of gender-based violence.
“Abuse does not come from Islam. It comes from cultural attitudes, ignorance, and the deliberate twisting of religious texts,” the organisation said.
To counter harmful interpretations and reduce gender-based violence, NASFAT urged religious institutions, scholars, families, and community leaders to take concrete steps, including the promotion of accurate Islamic teachings on women’s rights.
It also urged stakeholders to avoid unverified narrations and cultural myths in sermons and to provide contextual explanations of sensitive religious texts.
The Society canvassed the integration of GBV education into mosque programmes, the raising of boys and girls with equal respect, and the condemnation and reporting of domestic violence as a criminal offence.
NASFAT also called on Muslims globally to uphold justice and protect women from all forms of harm.
In the entertainment space, fame often arrives with a darker companion: online bullying. From actresses to musicians and reality-TV stars, social media has become a brutal arena where women’s bodies are mocked, dissected and policed. Yet, many of these targets have refused to stay silent, choosing instead to reclaim their narratives. Faith Ajayi highlights entertainers who have pushed back against body-shaming and the digital cruelty that comes with stardom
Nkechi Blessing
Actress Nkechi Blessing has never shied away from controversy, but in September 2025, she found herself at the centre of a storm she never anticipated. While taking a break during a routine gym session at an iFitness branch in Lagos, an unflattering photo of her midsection was taken without her knowledge and posted online.
The image triggered harsh mockery from social media users and even a colleague, Blessing CEO, who revisited their past feud in a video.
She said, “Nkechi Blessing, I am shocked you are angry that people are body-shaming you.”
She continued, “Even though we reconciled at JP 2025’s wedding, I remember how you body-shamed me… You told the world you had my nude videos… You went live and showed those videos I sent you in confidence.”
Verydarkman also weighed in, playing an old clip of Blessing promoting a weight-loss product while questioning her claims about body transformation.
Blessing initially responded with humour, writing on Instagram, “I went to the gym to stay fit and healthy, not for a fashion show or runway. With my big belle with pride, una go dey alright!”
But in December 2025, during an appearance on The Honest Bunch podcast, she broke down while discussing the emotional strain. “This is who I am. I wear clothes that make me comfortable. You get BBL and troll me with a natural body?” She added that she tracked down the person who took the photo and had her arrested for privacy invasion and defamation.
Turning the experience into advocacy, Blessing launched the “Big Belle Challenge,” encouraging women to post unfiltered photos. “I don’t like stress. Instead of fighting online, I handled it privately,” she said.
Uriel
Former Big Brother Naija star, actress and entrepreneur, Uriel Oputa, has consistently challenged Nigeria’s rigid beauty standards. One of her major encounters with body-shaming occurred in 2017 during the BBNaija show, when viewers mocked her breasts and questioned her age. She fired back with confidence: “Proud of what God gave me. If my boobs offend you, look away.”
The attacks resurfaced in 2024 after a photo of her at a Lagos party circulated online. Trolls revived conversations about her body, while some made derogatory remarks about her being mixed-race. Uriel later described those comments as “ignorance wrapped in insecurity.”
Uriel
She pushed back again, posting a bold lingerie video with the caption:
“My body, my rules. My breasts don’t sag for your approval; that’s your insecurity talking.
Do women body-shame other women? Mehn, we’re our own worst enemies.”
Uriel later turned the backlash into an empowerment movement through her Boob Freedom campaign, partnering with lingerie brands to promote natural bodies of all shapes.
“I once lost weight, and they said my boobs got worse. Now? I’m embracing the sag. It’s premium content,” she joked.
Rapper Ruggedman has been one of her biggest supporters, openly celebrating her physique and shutting down trolls whenever they resurface.
DJ Cuppy
Florence Otedola, popularly known as DJ Cuppy, has often found herself the target of colourist and body-shaming attacks despite her global acclaim. After sharing swimsuit photos from her father’s 60th birthday yacht celebration in 2022, trolls criticised her skin tone and mocked her body, with comments such as “too dark and uneven” and “preggy vibes.”
Cuppy responded firmly on social media: “My skin’s my superpower — dark, bold, unapologetic.” She questioned Nigeria’s selective celebration of beauty, asking, “Black excellence, but only if it’s lightened?”
Her fans amplified her message through #CuppyMelaninMagic, which she supported with donations to anti-colourism and skin-positivity organisations across West Africa.
By 2025, Cuppy had turned the incident into fuel for her expanding global brand, performing at international DJ sets, collaborating with top artistes and leaning fully into her identity without apology.
Ayra Starr
Since her breakout in 2021, Ayra Starr has faced intense scrutiny over her fashion choices. At just 18, she was criticised for wearing skimpy clothes, but the backlash intensified after her performance at a Meta concert on October 11, 2022.
Trolls accused her of being “immoral,” while some commentators blamed her label boss, Don Jazzy. But the young star refused to bend. The next day, she went live wearing an even shorter skirt, declaring, “My skirt is short because I’m hot, literally and figuratively. If my legs disturb you, close your eyes when you stream my music.”
She doubled down with the release of Rush, whose lyrics underscored her message of self-assurance.
This year, she followed up with another confidence anthem, Hot Body, reaffirming her stance on self-expression. Today, Ayra Starr performs globally on her own terms, and even her critics queue to take photos with her.
Etinosa Idemudia
Actress Etinosa Idemudia has been open about her struggles with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, but after giving birth in December 2020, she became the focus of harsh comments about her postpartum body.
In an Instagram video, Idemudia confronted the insults directly. Lifting her dress, she rubbed her stomach and said, “This is my Christabel tummy! I carried emotions, stress and love. If you don’t have a belly, sorry for your flat life.”
The body-shaming continued for years.
In a 2025 interview with PUNCH, she admitted the constant attacks wore her down. “I have been constantly bullied and mocked for my stomach. It affected me… My fat is largely caused by PCOS, but many people don’t know,” she said.
After medical consultations, she opted for cosmetic surgery, framing it as an act of self-care rather than defeat. “Science exists to make life easier… As an actor, looks and skill go hand in hand,” she said.
Moyo Lawal
Moyo Lawal has always been vocal about her body confidence, but her most difficult battle came in 2023 when an ex-partner leaked an intimate video of her. The clip spread rapidly across social media and messaging platforms, triggering intense slut-shaming and online harassment.
Lawal initially responded candidly: “Yes, I make love. I’m single, not a nun. Stop acting brand new.” But the situation escalated when strangers attempted to locate her home, turning body-shaming into life-threatening bullying.
In an emotional live session on September 18, 2023, she said, “You watched, you judged, you shared. That was rape by distribution.” She reported the matter to the police and pursued legal action against those circulating the video.
The trauma pushed her into a year-long break from Nollywood. In early 2024, she admitted, “People think bullying is just comments. It’s violence. It almost pushed me into depression.”
Lawal returned in late 2024 with Curvy Queens, a film celebrating body acceptance, which became a streaming hit and marked a triumphant comeback.
Her battles continued into 2025 when trolls mocked her weight. She responded on X: “If I do surgery, I will tell you. If I don’t, I will still tell you. My body is not your national project.” To another critic, she wrote, “Curves don’t expire. Mind your mileage.”
Now an advocate for digital rights and consent awareness, Lawal has turned her experience into a platform for education, proving that resilience can coexist with vulnerability.
The 14th Emir Of Kano, HRH Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II, has announced the upcoming wedding of his daughter, Aisha Lamido Sanusi.
Aisha. who bagged First Class from University of Swansea, UK in 2023, will marry Flying Officer Dr. Sayyed Ahmed Usman, on Friday December 12, 2025, at the Emir’s Palace in Kofar Kudu.
Family members, including Fulani Siddika, shared the wedding invite on Thursday.
The Edo State House of Assembly on Tuesday summoned the member representing Egor Constituency, Natasha Irobosa, to appear before its Ethics and Privileges Committee within one week.
The Assembly said she was invited to defend herself over allegations of misconduct leveled against her.
PUNCH Metro learnt that the development comes amid growing controversy surrounding the lawmaker’s relationship with music legend, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba.
Speaking during plenary, the Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, said Irobosa must explain why her conduct had dragged the name of the Assembly “in the mud.”
He said, “Hon. Natasha Irobosa has been summoned to appear before the Ethics and Privilege Committee of the Assembly due to her recent conduct which has been trending online.
“This conduct drags the name of the House into the mud, and it is the responsibility of members of the Assembly to conduct themselves well.
“This House has cerebral minds and educated people who have been dragged in the mud for too long by our colleague, Hon. Natasha. She has been trending on social media and television for the wrong reason.
“The House has members who know what they are doing, and the attitude of our member has brought this House to disrepute, and we will not tolerate it.”
The Speaker added that the committee would submit its findings to the House within two weeks.
Meanwhile, fans of 2Baba have expressed deep concern over the singer’s marriage following a series of disturbing videos circulating online.
One of the videos seen by PUNCH Metro on Tuesday captured a heated exchange between the artiste and Natasha during an Instagram Live session on Monday.
The live session, hosted by media personality, Daddy Freeze, featured members of 2Baba’s former management team discussing stalled international projects when the singer suddenly joined the broadcast.
Moments into his appearance, he was heard confronting Natasha, asking, “What is your problem?”
The situation quickly escalated, with Natasha appearing to attempt to seize the phone as both raised their voices before the session abruptly ended.
The incident came shortly after another viral clip showed the singer being handcuffed and escorted away by police officers in the United Kingdom. The footage, shared by blogger Tosin Silverdam, captured officers speaking with 2Baba outside a retail store before leading him away.
The viral clips have triggered widespread anxiety among fans and industry watchers, many of whom fear the singer may be experiencing a deepening personal and marital crisis.
During the live session, 2Baba’s former management team alleged that internal interference had halted major international plans. These included a UK tour, an African tour, stadium concerts, and government-backed engagements across several countries.
“You go out there to make your money; even if it’s 100,000 people listening, the money is enough to sustain you,” his former manager, Kaka Igbokwe, said.
He added that the team’s long-term plan was to elevate 2Baba to the level of globally respected African music icons.
“When I started working with 2Baba, my aim was for him to be larger. You can’t compare yourself to Burna Boy, but you can achieve what Angélique Kidjo has done. You can still do arenas,” he said.
Amid the unfolding drama, popular content creator Nasboi penned an emotional note expressing sadness over the singer’s current situation.
He said the recent clips were damaging to the calm, humble image 2Baba had maintained for decades.
“I’ve looked up to you since I was 16. I loved every bit of your music, your personality, and the humility you carried yourself with. In fact, you were one of the people who taught me what it means to be humble. You have had your criticism in the past, but your character and humility still stood tall,” he wrote.
Nasboi added that the version of events being shared online was unfamiliar to “those of us who truly love and respect you,” urging the veteran artiste to take control of the situation.
In a separate live session with Daddy Freeze, a female fan tearfully called on Nigerian men to intervene in 2Baba’s marriage.
“All Nigerian men should please come out and help him out of this,” she said.
“It’s so disheartening seeing my Idol like this,” another fan, August Chris, wrote on X.
On his part, @Abraham_Gidi posted, “Honestly, this is a fact. I still find it hard to believe. I love and respect him from childhood, and it has stayed like that forever. Legend forever.”
Another X user, @ariyiB, said in a video posted on Tuesday, “2Baba should have stayed on his own since he left Annie. He already has enough kids. I am not happy with what I am seeing about him on social media.”
The relationship between 2Baba and Natasha became public shortly after the singer announced the end of his 12-year marriage to Annie Macaulay in January. He later unveiled Natasha as his fiancée and proposed to her publicly on the eve of Valentine’s Day, February 14.
