The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has condemned a proposed move by five United States lawmakers to impose sanctions on prominent Nigerian Muslim figures and organisations, describing the action as lopsided, selective and unjust.
The US lawmakers are reportedly seeking sanctions, including visa bans and asset freezes, against former Kano State governor and national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as well as the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, among others.
Reacting on Thursday, February 12, 2026, the Executive Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola, faulted what he termed the “selective choice” of individuals and groups, arguing that any sanction regime must be comprehensive and unbiased.
“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,” Akintola said.
He maintained that while there were cases of religious extremism and denial of religious freedom in Nigeria, responsibility cuts across both religious divides. According to him, there are extremists among Christians and Muslims, and sanctions, if deemed necessary, should reflect that reality.
Akintola alleged that government officials in parts of Southern Nigeria and leaders of Christian militia groups in North Central Nigeria had committed acts of violence and discrimination against Muslims over the years, insisting they too should be considered if the US intends to ensure balance and objectivity.
The group claimed it had documented cases of alleged marginalisation, denial of religious freedom and other rights violations against Muslims and expressed readiness to present such records to international bodies, including the United Nations.
MURIC further accused US officials of allegedly engaging more with Christian leaders in Nigeria without affording Muslim representatives equal hearing, describing the approach as contrary to the principle of natural justice, audi alteram partem — hear the other side.
The organisation also expressed concern over what it described as the “false designation” of Nigeria as a country perpetrating genocide against Christians, warning that such narratives could deepen religious tensions in the country.
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While affirming that Nigerian Muslims harbour no hostility towards the United States and acknowledging longstanding social and economic ties between both countries, MURIC urged US authorities to conduct broader investigations before imposing sanctions on what it described as “law-abiding and peace-loving Nigerian Muslims.”
The group warned that selective sanctions could embolden extremist elements and undermine efforts at promoting interfaith harmony in Nigeria.
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