Abuja, Nigeria – The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has strongly criticized the recent US congressional proposal to impose sanctions, including visa bans and asset freezes, on former Kano State Governor and New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP) national leader, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, alongside other northern Muslim groups.
Professor Ishaq Akintola, Executive Director of MURIC, described the move as “lopsided, unjust, and selective,” calling for a broader and more balanced approach that also targets officials and militia groups in Southern and North Central Nigeria accused of persecuting Muslims.
“The decision to single out Muslims amounts to scapegoating and preconceived judgement,” Akintola said on Thursday, 12 February 2026. “If sanctions are to be applied, they must be comprehensive, impartial, and target all religious extremists regardless of faith.”
MURIC cited decades of documented human rights violations against Muslims by Southern state officials and Christian militia groups in North Central Nigeria, including denial of fundamental rights, forced religious conversions, and attacks on Muslim travellers. The group emphasized its willingness to provide verified evidence to the US, the United Nations, or other international bodies.
Akintola also raised concerns over perceived US bias, noting that Christian voices have historically dominated discussions on Nigeria’s religious crises, while Muslim perspectives are often excluded. “For justice and fairness, both sides must be heard,” he said.
Highlighting ongoing challenges, MURIC detailed instances of systemic discrimination against Muslims in Southern Nigeria, including restrictions on religious dress, denial of public services, and political marginalization. The group warned that the selective sanctions could exacerbate religious tensions and empower extremist factions.
“American authorities must thoroughly investigate before labeling law-abiding Nigerian Muslims,” Akintola said, adding that Boko Haram and ISIS extremists could exploit the situation if moderate Muslims are unfairly targeted.
MURIC called on the global community to ensure that any measures are balanced, impartial, and rooted in verified evidence, rather than fueling sectarian divisions.
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