This piece was done in view of the current religious scandals involving prominent religious figures. Although it is not in our purview to judge who is guilty or innocent, however it was deemed imperative to write a response to those who claim that the reason why scandals are not popular in Islam is because Muslims cover it up and even kill those who expose the secret. This my brothers and sisters is a complete falsehood. The truth is that, the reason why scandals in Islam don't take a popular dimension is simply because in Islam there is no religious hierarchy for we are all equal in front of God except the pious at heart (who can only be determined by God Himself). However, some may argue that don't Muslims also have titles like "Alfa", "Imam", "Amir", "Ustaz", "Mundiu", "Sheikh", "Shehu", "Alhaji", etc. Hence for the sake of knowledge and understanding I'll highlight the meanings of the above.
ALFA- An Alfa technically means a practicing muslim. Although many feel its a special religious ranking of Muslims which enable them be the one to slaughter ram on salah, officiate occasions e.g burial, provide spiritual help etc. But its actually false, it is not a religious ranking and any practicing muslim can do the above.
USTAZ/MUNDIU- These are simply coordinators of Arabic schools (ile kewu/ Madrassat). As the above it is not a religious ranking rather its just an academic ranking.
AMIR/IMAM- Linguistically means leader or someone in front. It is not a religious ranking rather imam denotes anybody (practicing muslim) that leads prayer although we also have ranks like chief imam, baba adeeni etc but they are simply mosque titles. Amir on the other hand means leader of any Islamic organization
SHEIKH- Sheikh linguistically means an old man. It could also denote someone prominent. It is not a religious ranking and can be used by anybody especially in the Arab world where we hear of "oil sheikhs" etc or someone knowledgeable.
ALHAJI- This simply means someone who has just returned from hajj or has performed hajj, as above this also is not a religious ranking.
It should however be noted that some sects outside the mainstream Islam practice religious hierarchy where they have different levels and names for each level till you get to the highest level of spiritual enlightenment. Such organisation use the word "Shehu" etc and include the Tijaniyah sect also called tariqa etc.
In conclusion from the above we have been able to see that in Islam there is no religious hierarchy at all rather what we have as shown are series of nomenclatures and as a result Muslims see each other as human capable of falling into temptation irrespective of the nomenclature attached, hence do not feel the fanatical mandate to defend any of the above.

Nb. This reminds me of a story some years back of an Ustaz receiving MouthAction from his female student, the story made rounds online with pictures even attached yet no Muslim claimed it was photo shopped or felt obliged to defend the act not even Supreme Islamic Council same goes for the Alfas caught with human body parts recently !!!