It’s ‘Selective and Unjust’ – MURIC Condemns US Sanctions on Nigerian Muslim Leaders
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has strongly condemned the proposed sanctions by the United States targeting prominent Muslim leaders and organisations in Nigeria, describing the move as “lopsided, unjust and selective.”
Last week, five US lawmakers introduced a bill seeking visa bans and asset freezes on figures including former Kano State Governor and New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP) leader, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as well as the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.
In a statement posted on its website, MURIC Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, argued that the proposed sanctions unfairly single out Muslims while ignoring abuses by government officials in Southern Nigeria and leaders of Christian militia groups in North Central Nigeria, whose actions have targeted Muslim residents and travellers over decades.
Titled, “US sanctions on Muslim figures in Nigeria ‘lopsided’ – MURIC,” the statement said:
“We take the decision of the US Congress to sanction Muslims alone with a pinch of salt. It amounts to scapegoating, preconceived judgement and crusade-brandishing… Coming to Nigeria under the guise of protecting Christians carries the risk of undermining Islam, persecuting Muslims, and promoting bias in favour of Christian actors.”
Akintola stressed that both Muslim and Christian extremists have been responsible for acts of terror, and any sanctions should be comprehensive, unbiased, and non-selective.
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“As a Muslim human rights group operating since 1994, MURIC has documented abuses by Christian state actors in Southern Nigeria and criminal Christian militia groups. We are ready to present these findings to the US, the United Nations, or any other international body if given the opportunity,” he added.
He further highlighted the longstanding targeting of Muslims in North Central Nigeria, where Christian militia groups—allegedly supported or tolerated by state authorities—have killed thousands of Muslims over past decades. Akintola warned that if Northern Muslims are to be sanctioned, the list should equally include officials who have funded, enabled, or protected such groups.
MURIC also accused US authorities of preferentially listening to Nigerian Christian voices, noting that Muslim perspectives are often excluded:
“US Congress has consistently invited Christian activists and clergymen from Nigeria without engaging their Muslim counterparts. This selective approach contradicts the principle of justice, ‘audi alteram partem’—hear the other side.”
The human rights organisation expressed concern over what it described as the “emerging age of forced Christianisation,” aided by perceived US bias:
“Muslims in Nigeria have become increasingly vulnerable. For fairness, the US must also investigate violations against Muslims in Southern Nigeria, including restrictions on religious practices, denial of access to education, employment, public services, and political appointments on account of faith.”
Akintola concluded by cautioning that unwarranted sanctions on law-abiding Muslims could embolden extremist groups such as Boko Haram and ISIS, who may use them to claim victory against moderate Muslim communities.
“Nigerian Muslims have no reason to antagonise the US. Sanctions should not target peaceful, law-abiding individuals while ignoring those who perpetuate violence and discrimination.”
By PRNigeria
