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MURIC Accuses US Of Selective Persecution Of Muslims In Nigeria

By
Ayodele Oni
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Professor Ishaq Akintola - MURIC

By Ayodele Oni

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has flayed the decision of the United States (US) to single out only Muslims for sanctions over banditry in Nigeria describing the decision as lopsided, unjust and selective.

Five US lawmakers on Wednesday proposed a bill seeking to impose sanctions, including visa ban and asset freeze, on a former governor of Kano State and the national leader of the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP), Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, among others.

‎Executive Director of the group, Prof Ishaq Akintola, said on Thursday, that government officials in Southern Nigeria, who have been persecuting Muslims in the region, as well as leaders of Christian militia groups in North Central Nigeria, whose terror machines have been killing Muslim residents and Muslim travellers in the zone for decades should be sanctioned by the US to make the exercise balanced, objective and transparent.

”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 with the avowed aim of protecting Christians carries with it the implications of coming to promote Christianity, coming to deter the prosecution of Christian criminals who are behind the killing of hundreds of Muslim travellers in Plateau State, coming to undermine Islam, coming to persecute Muslims and coming to encourage Muslim haters.

‎”We affirm that there is denial of religious freedom and religious extremism in Nigeria. But we identify the culprits behind this heinous crime as religious fanatics among both Christians and Muslims. In short, we are saying there are Muslim extremists and there are Christian extremists.

‎”Now, if sanctions are to be imposed on certain figures and groups, such sanctions must be comprehensive and unbiased, not selective and lopsided. For an objective sanction exercise, therefore, the US must beam its searchlight on the whole country.

‎”As a Muslim human rights group that has been in operation for 32 years (since 1994) MURIC has records of proven acts of inhumanity, discrimination, marginalization, denial of religious freedom and other acts of violation of rights committed by individual Christian state actors in Southern Nigeria.

“For the avoidance of doubts, we assert clearly, unequivocally and emphatically that Christian militia groups of North Central Nigeria, who are well known by the state governments have killed thousands of Muslims in the past decades.

“If, therefore, Northern Muslims are being marked for sanctions, present and past governors and government officials of North Central Nigeria, who have funded, enabled and protected Christian terrorists in the zone deserve conspicuous spaces on the list.

‎”However, we nurse the suspicion that even US officials have always preferred to listen to Nigerian Christians without seeking to hear from Muslims to balance the stories and for justice, equity and 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 i.e. hear from the other side).

‎”In the present circumstances, with the US false designation of Nigeria as a country perpetrating genocide against Christians without proper investigation and without hearing from the other side, coupled with the fact that the US has also landed its troops on Nigerian soil ‘to protect Nigerian Christians’ while individual Muslim leaders are being marked for sanctions, Nigerian Muslims have no other option than to cry out to the outside world.

‎”We therefore wish to alert the global community to these ugly developments in Nigeria. After decades of forceful conversion and failed attempts to turn Nigeria to the land of Jesus, leaders of the minority Christians in the country have conspired to level false allegations of genocide against us, the majority Muslims, and invited the US military to stem the growth of Islam.

”As at today, the 12th of February, 2026, we nurse the palpable fear of the arrival of the age of conversion to Christianity at gunpoint, aided and abetted by the US military. Muslims have become endangered species in Nigeria.

“Nigerian Muslims have no reason to antagonize America. Neither has there ever been any declared hostility between the US and Nigerian Muslims. It is also true that apart from millions of Americans who are Muslims, hundreds of Nigerian Muslims make their living in the US. It is therefore in our mutual interest to avoid tension.”

EFCC Operatives’ Attempt To  Arrest El-Rufai Fails,  Passport Seized

By
Ayodele Oni
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EFCC Attempt To Arrest El-Rufai

By Ayodele Oni

Operatives of the Economic and  Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) attempted to arrest former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai on his return to Nigeria, on Wednesday, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

However, the Commission’s operatives got stiff resistance from El-Rufai who declined to follow the agents without a formal invitation.

El-Rufai’s passport has, however, been seized by the EFCC operatives.

Muyiwa Adekeye, Media Aide to the chieftain of the African Democratic Congress confirmed that security operatives attempted to arrest him at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

In a post on X on Wednesday, Adekeye said the operatives approached el-Rufai shortly after he arrived from Cairo, Egypt, but he declined to go with them because no formal invitation was presented.

Ubong Akpan, Counsel to the former governor, described the incident as a violation of his client’s constitutional rights and an abuse of executive power.

He claimed officers of the Department of State Services, (DSS), tried to detain el-Rufai without a warrant or any official letter of invitation.

According to Akpan, el-Rufai requested to see the invitation letter, but none was provided.

The lawyer further alleged that the operatives seized el-Rufai’s international passport from one of his aides, describing the action as unlawful and a breach of his property rights.

Akpan said the EFCC had sent an invitation to el-Rufai’s residence in December 2025, while he was out of the country, which his team considered impractical.

He added that the former governor’s legal team later informed the Commission on February 11, 2026, that el-Rufai would voluntarily appear at its office by 10:00 am on February 16, 2026.

Despite this assurance, Akpan said the attempted arrest still took place.

He cited alleged violations of el-Rufai’s rights to personal liberty, fair hearing, dignity, freedom of movement, and ownership of property.

“There is no lawful basis for the attempted arrest or the treatment meted out to him,” the statement said, adding that el-Rufai returned to Nigeria after medical treatment abroad and had publicly expressed readiness to respond to any legitimate inquiry.

Akpan demanded the immediate return of the passport, an end to what he described as unlawful efforts to detain his client, and a formal apology.

He maintained that el-Rufai would honour any legitimate summons from law enforcement agencies.

ElRufai in a recent interview had revealed that there were attempts by security agents to arrest him.

He also accused the National Security Adviser, (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, of arbitrarily using his office to order the arrest of anybody he so wishes.

VP Shettima Departs Abuja For Addis Ababa, To Represent President Tinubu At AU Summit

By
Ayodele Oni
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VP Shettima Departs Abuja For Addis Ababa
VP Shettima Departs Abuja For Addis Ababa

By Ayodele Oni

Vice President, Kashim Shettima is among African leaders billed to attend the 2026 African Union (AU) summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Already, Shettima has departed Abuja for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu  at the  Summit.

A statement on Thursday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications (Office of The Vice President), stated that the Summit, is themed “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.”

It will also focus on advancing continental commitments toward sustainable water management, improved sanitation systems, and the broader development aspirations encapsulated in the AU’s Agenda 2063 framework.

While in Addis Ababa, the Vice President will join other African leaders at the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of AU Heads of State and Government, as well as the 30th General Assembly, scheduled to hold on February 14 and 15, 2026, respectively.

On the margins of the Summit, Shettima will participate in high-level side events and hold bilateral engagements with political and business leaders aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic, economic, and strategic partnerships across the continent.

The Vice President is accompanied by cabinet ministers and other senior government officials.

He is expected to return to Nigeria on the conclusion of his official engagements in Addis Ababa.

Abducted Kano Wedding Guests Rescued By Nigerian Army

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Soliders on Duty

By Akinwale Kasali

Troops of 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have recorded another breakthrough in its fight against Insecurity, as it rescued eight of the 10 persons abducted by suspected terrorists at a wedding venue on Wednesday, in Dabawa, Shanono Local Government Area, Kano State.

It was gathered from the Army Headquarters on Thursday that an unconfirmed number of gunmen reportedly dressed in military camouflage invaded the ceremony and whisked away the victims.

The Nigerian Army however deployed troops, who laid an ambush along the Yankwada River line swiftly advanced to the general area upon receiving the distress report and made contact with the fleeing assailants at Garu Village in neighbouring Katsina State.

The Troops  pursued the bandits up to the Katsina–Gidan Mutum Daya road axis before contact was broken.

”During the operation, eight of the abducted girls were successfully rescued and have since been reunited with their families, while efforts are ongoing to track and rescue the remaining two victims.”

The operations in the general area have continued to ensure the safe return of the remaining victims and prevent further attacks.

Arewa Consultative Forum Raise Alarm Over Worsening Insecurity, Poverty

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Mamman Mike Osuman - ACF Chairman

By Akinwale Kasali

The worsening insecurity and poverty in the North has led to the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, into expressing its deep concern over the situation.

The ACF stated that the North is also facing humanitarian challenges, and warned that terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping are increasingly displacing communities and disrupting livelihoods.

Mamman Mike Osuman, ACF Chairman, made this remark while delivering his welcome address at the Forum’s 79th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the ACF Secretariat in Kaduna.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, said the region has continued to face grave difficulties since the last NEC meeting in August 2025, citing natural disasters, loss of lives, and harsh living conditions as factors compounding the plight of residents.

“Terrorism, armed banditry, insurgency, and kidnapping are on the rise, as witnessed in Kwara, Southern Kaduna, Katsina, Benue, and other locations. The consequences have been devastating, with families and communities violently uprooted and displaced,” he said.

He added that these displacements have led to overcrowded camps and informal settlements with limited access to essential services, heightening the risks of malnutrition and mortality among survivors.

He added that repeated attacks and the prevailing climate of fear have disrupted education through school closures, strained rural economies, and discouraged access to farming, healthcare, and travel.

Osuman noted that the scale of insecurity has become so severe that external military assistance has been required, underscoring the urgency for coordinated action.

“Our existence as a socio-cultural organisation must not be merely ceremonial or rhetorical; it must be principled, sincere, sacrificial, and action-driven,” he stated, urging state chapters to engage constructively with governments at all levels in pursuit of peace, stability, and civil rehabilitation of affected communities.

He also cautioned against political distractions ahead of the 2027 elections, observing that some emerging groups appear more focused on electoral strategies than on pressing issues such as out-of-school children, hunger, poverty, and persistent attacks.

He further urged the ACF to cooperate with relevant authorities as the country approaches another election cycle, emphasizing the need to ensure peaceful and credible polls while educating citizens on their civic responsibilities.

Forfeiture Of 57 Properties: New Judge, Justice Egwuatu Withdraws

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Abubakar Malami in Court
Abubakar Malami

By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

 

Justice Obiora Egwuatu of an Abuja Federal High Court, on Thursday, February 12, 2026, recused himself from the handling of the two legal proceedings filed against the immediate past Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC.

 

The Source reports that the two cases bordering on alleged money laundering, corrupt practices, and unlawful acquisitions of about 57 Properties were recently transfered to Justice Egwuatu, by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court Honourable Justice John Tsoho.

 

A vacation Judge, Honourable Justice Emeka Nwite had on January 6, issued an interim order for about 57 properties  allegedly linked to Malami, his wife and son to be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

 

The court also directed that the interim order of forfeiture be published in a national daily requesting interested persons to within 14 days of the said publication show cause why the said properties should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

 

The order was sequel to a motion ex-parte filed by the EFCC seeking the forfeiture of the said properties on the grounds that they reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

 

The said properties are with an estimated value of over N213 billion, according to the anti-graft Commission are scattered across three states of Kano, Kaduna, Kebbi and the Federal Capital Territory FCT.

 

However,  between Monday January 2,2026, and last week, Malami, and two other applicants- namely Muktaka Usman Junju ,and Rayjaan Bustan and Agro Allied LTD had filed separate applications asking the court to  remove properties listed as Nos 1,9,18,28,29, 30,31,32 ,40 and 48 from the schedule of properties attached to the forfeiture order.

 

The applicants separately and collectively are seeking an order of the court nullifying and discharging the earlier interim order of forfeiture placed on the said properties , having been duly acquired through legitimate means.

 

The applicants also contended that the EFCC did not not comply with all the statutory and constitutional requirements governing interim forfeiture proceedings, particularly, as they relate to the Evidence Act, and the Advance Fee Fraud ,and Other Fraud Related Offences Act.

 

The new trial Judge, Justice Obiora, who had scheduled Thursday February 12, for the commencement of hearing into the applications , however   , announced his withdrawal from the Interim forfeiture case and another bordering on alleged money laundering and corrupt enrichment against the former Attorney General of the Federation, citing personal reasons, and the need to ensure justice as major reasons for his action.

 

The announcement of his withdrawal was made immediately the suit for the forfeiture of the 57 properties was called for hearing.

Ondo Commissioner Faces Backlash Over Allegation Of Receiving Double Salary

By
Ayodele Oni
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Prof Igbekele Amos Ajibefun

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Commissioner for Education Prof Igbekele Amos Ajibefun, is entangled with allegations of collecting double salary from the state government purse.

Ajibefun, a former vice chancellor of the state owned University, is allegedly drawing salaries from two public institutions as a commissioner and a University don— a claim he denied.

Speaking on the issue, the Commissioner described the double salary allegation as “false,” insisting that he does not earn a salary from the University of Medical Sciences,(UNIMED), Ondo. However, he acknowledged that he receives payments in the form of sitting allowances.

He admitted collecting sitting allowances from the UNIMED, Ondo, while simultaneously serving as a cabinet member of the state government, amid growing controversy over alleged double remuneration.

Ajibefun explained that what he receives from the state University is statutory allowances as a member of the university’s Governing Council.

“I do not collect salary from UNIMED. I am not a staff member of the university. I only attend council meetings,” he said.

When asked directly whether he collects sitting allowances, the Commissioner responded in the affirmative.

“Yes, all members of the council collect sitting allowances,” he said, adding that the payments are made during official sittings of the council.

He further disclosed that council meetings typically hold about three times annually, aside from emergency sessions.

Though he insisted the payments are backed by law, he declined to state how much he has received since assuming office.

“I don’t have the figures off-hand. You can ask the universities from their records,” he said.

On whether he receives similar allowances from other state-owned tertiary institutions where he sits on governing councils, the Commissioner did not give a categorical breakdown, but maintained that his membership is statutory.

“As Commissioner for Education, I am a member of the council by law. If the law changes, I will not attend,” he stated.

The Commissioner, however, maintained that the payments are lawful and part of the statutory framework guiding university governance.

“It is part of the law establishing these universities,” he said.

Despite defending the legality of the payments, the Commissioner’s refusal to disclose the total amount received is likely to fuel further calls for transparency.

As pressure mounts, stakeholders are urging the state government to clarify the remuneration structure for political appointees serving on governing councils of public institutions.

“I Feel Ashamed When I Remember Ribadu Was Once My Friend” – El-Rufai

By
Ayodele Oni
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Nasir El-Rufai and Nuhu Ribadu
Nasir El-Rufai and Nuhu Ribadu

By Ayodele Oni

National Security Adviser, (NSA), to the President, Nuhu Ribadu, has been accused of overstepping his line of duties, following his, alleged, acquired power to order any security agency to arrest anybody.

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who made this allegation, pointed out that Ribadu’s duty as NSA is just advisory but insisted that Ribadu has now extended it to ordering the arrest of anybody without proper investigation.

El-Rufai made the allegation during a chat with DCL Hausa, where he claimed the NSA oversteps his constitutional responsibilities.

“Nuhu Ribadu just picks his phone and calls any security outfit to arrest anybody without any form of investigation,” he alleged.

The former governor was, however, quick to distance President Bola Tinubu from the claims. “I am not saying President Tinubu makes the call,” El-Rufai stated.

According to him, the NSA’s role is strictly advisory. “It is not the NSA’s job to call EFCC, directing them to arrest this person or that. His job is to advise the President on security issues.

“If he sees a person that is a threat to security, his job is to draw the attention of the President, and he would order an investigation,” he said.

El-Rufai further alleged that Ribadu interferes in Judicial proceedings by influencing bail decisions.

He claimed the NSA pressurises Judges not to grant bail to suspects who, according to him, were not properly investigated in the first place.

“I feel ashamed when I remember he was once my friend,” El-Rufai said.

“Nobody is as wicked as Nuhu Ribadu in Tinubu’s administration,” he added.

The former governor also referenced the reported arrest of former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Bashir Jamoh, by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in Kaduna State.

“He is lying, they have not stopped. Even last week, they arrested Bashir Jamoh. What did he do?” El-Rufai queried.

He alleged that Jamoh remains in detention, contrary to constitutional provisions requiring that any arrested person be charged to court within 48 hours.

Aliko Dangote University Embarrasses Amaechi, Cancels Lecture

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Rotimi Amaechi
Rotimi Amaechi

By Adesina Soyooye 

 

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC,  Rotimi Amaechi, was given more than he could chew by the Aliko Dangote University, Kano. He was embarrassed by the Management of the University.

 

The former two-term Governor of Rivers State and Minister for Transportation during the late President Muhammadu Buhari Administration, was invited by the Students Union of the University to deliver the Lecture. It was billed for Wednesday, February 11.

 

He prepared for the lecture, packed his bag, left Abuja, and arrived Kano. But a shock awaited him.

 

Two hours to the time of the lecture, it was cancelled by the Management of the University which cited security concerns. For the records, according to reports, the University Management had earlier approved of the lecture, a baby of the leadership of the Students Union. 

 

An embarrassed Amaechi alleged that the sudden cancellation was politically motivated. He put it on the door steps of the President Bola Tinubu Government which he said is afraid of the views of opposition. He added that he was surprised by the action of the University Management.

 

“I was informed only two hours before the programme that the lecture had been cancelled”, he said.

The facts have spoken on the Natasha versus Senate saga

By
The Source
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Natasha Akpoti and Godswill Akpabio
Natasha Akpoti and Senator Godswill Akpabio

By Eseme Eyiboh

The facts have spoken on the Natasha versus Senate saga: By upholding the disciplinary actions of the Senate as lawful and procedurally sound, the Court has robustly reinforced the doctrine of separation of powers, a cornerstone of our constitutional democracy. The ruling confirms with unmistakable clarity that the authority of the Senate to regulate its internal proceedings and discipline its members is firmly rooted in the Constitution and its Standing Orders

The judgment of the Court of Appeal delivered on Monday, February 9, 2026, represents a consequential affirmation of the constitutional principles that sustain Nigeria’s democratic order and the orderly functioning of its institutions.

By upholding the disciplinary actions of the Senate as lawful and procedurally sound, the Court has robustly reinforced the doctrine of separation of powers, a cornerstone of our constitutional democracy. The ruling confirms with unmistakable clarity that the authority of the Senate to regulate its internal proceedings and discipline its members is firmly rooted in the Constitution and its Standing Orders. This authority is neither incidental nor ornamental; it is an essential responsibility entrusted to the legislature to preserve order, decorum, and institutional integrity in the discharge of its duties on behalf of the Nigerian people.

The Court of Appeal has further enriched our constitutional jurisprudence by clearly delineating the proper limits of judicial intervention in the internal affairs of a coordinate arm of government. While reaffirming the judiciary’s vital role as guardian of fundamental rights, the judgment recognises that the legislature must retain the autonomy necessary to enforce its rules and maintain discipline, provided it acts within the province of the law. This equilibrium is indispensable to effective governance and democratic stability.

The circumstances that gave rise to this litigation are regrettable.

Parliamentary democracy rests on respect for established rules, collective responsibility, and due deference to the authority of the Chair. Persistent refusal to comply with lawful directives of the Presiding Officer — including the reallocation of seating arrangements within the chamber — as well as failure to appear before the statutory Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, runs counter to the ethos of parliamentary conduct. Such actions risk undermining institutional authority and distracting from the Senate’s higher obligations of legislation, oversight, and representation in the national interest.

While the Court of Appeal set aside the contempt proceedings and the associated fine on procedural grounds, it is significant that the core findings affirming the Senate’s disciplinary powers and the validity of its actions remain undisturbed. This distinction reinforces both the primacy of due process and the legitimacy of institutional self-regulation under the Constitution.

As the Senate moves forward, it remains steadfast in its constitutional mandate to foster robust debate, exercise rigorous oversight, and enact legislation that advances the peace, order, and good governance of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In keeping with the spirit of reconciliation and institutional maturity that must guide democratic leadership, the Senate looks ahead with restraint, goodwill, and an abiding commitment to collective purpose rather than past grievance.

In this spirit, the Senator concerned, who has since resumed legislative duties, is expected to continue her duties with renewed adherence to parliamentary rules, mutual respect, and the shared responsibilities that bind all members of the National Assembly.

The strength of our democracy ultimately lies in the strength of its institutions, each operating responsibly within its recognised constitutional remit. The judgment of the Court of Appeal fortifies that foundation and renews the resolve to build a disciplined, stable, and forward-looking legislature in service of the Nigerian people.

The facts have spoken for themselves

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Rt. Hon. Eseme Eyiboh,
MNIPR, is the Special Adviser, Media/Publicity and official spokesperson to the President of the Senate

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