MURIC slams proposed US sanctions on Nigerian Muslim leaders

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has strongly criticised a proposed United States bill seeking sanctions against prominent Muslim figures and organisations in Nigeria, describing the move as discriminatory and biased.

Five US lawmakers recently introduced legislation that would impose visa bans and asset freezes on former Kano State Governor and NNPP leader, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as well as the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.

Reacting in a statement on Thursday, MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, said the sanctions unfairly target Muslims while ignoring abuses committed by Christian militia groups and government officials in Southern Nigeria. “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,” he declared.

Akintola argued that both Muslim and Christian extremists have committed acts of violence, stressing that sanctions should be “comprehensive and unbiased, not selective and lopsided.” He warned that Christian militia groups in North Central Nigeria have killed thousands of Muslims over the decades, yet their sponsors and enablers are not being held accountable.

MURIC accused the US of listening preferentially to Christian voices from Nigeria, thereby undermining fairness. “This explains why the US Congress has always been anxious to invite Christian activists and clergymen from Nigeria without inviting their Muslim counterparts. This attitude is contrary to the well-known principle of justice — audi alteram partem (hear from the other side),” Akintola said.

The group further alleged systemic discrimination against Muslims in Southern Nigeria, citing denial of voter cards, employment opportunities, and access to public services due to religious attire. Akintola warned: “Muslims have become endangered species in Nigeria. For the world to believe the US is not on a recycled crusade, the US needs to sanction Southern Nigeria governors and officials who deprive Muslims of their fundamental rights.”

MURIC urged Washington to conduct deeper investigations before imposing sanctions, cautioning that targeting moderate Muslims could inadvertently embolden extremist groups like Boko Haram and ISIS. “It is in our mutual interest to avoid tension. Boko Haram and ISIS terrorists should not be given the chance to rejoice at having succeeded in killing moderate Muslims and at the same time getting America to sanction them,” Akintola concluded.

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