TENSIONS RISE AS ISLAMIC MOVEMENT DENIES ISRAELI ENVOY’S TERRORISM ALLEGATIONS
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By: Balogun Ibrahim
The Media Forum of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria has rejected allegations by the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, who accused the movement and Iran of sponsoring terrorism and instability in Nigeria and across West Africa.
The forum described the claims as false and provocative, warning that such remarks could inflame tensions among Muslims in the country. It said the accusations were aimed at demonising the movement and silencing voices that support oppressed people around the world.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its President, Ammar Muhammad, the forum said it “strongly condemns and rejects” the remarks attributed to the Israeli envoy.
“The Media Forum of the Islamic Movement strongly condemns and rejects the recent allegations made by the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, in which he attempted to associate Iran and the Islamic Movement with terrorism and instability in the country and the West African region,” the statement said.
The group also said it was inappropriate for Israel’s representative to level accusations of terrorism while his country continues to face international criticism over its military operations in Gaza.
“It is both inappropriate and unacceptable for the representative of a state widely accused of committing genocide and serious violations of international law to lecture others on terrorism or security,” the statement said.
The forum further alleged that Israel’s actions in Gaza have attracted widespread condemnation from international organisations and human rights groups, claiming that the conflict has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of civilians.
The statement also referred to Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, noting that he has been declared wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over alleged war crimes.
“As a result, he reportedly avoids travelling to several countries, including parts of Europe, due to fears of arrest, as a number of nations have indicated their willingness to enforce the ICC’s order,” the forum said.
The group said it was therefore ironic for Israel’s representative to accuse others of supporting terrorism, while also rejecting claims linking the Islamic Movement to violent activities in Nigeria.
“The attempt by the ambassador to associate the Islamic Movement with terrorism is not only a blatant falsehood but also a dangerous and failed attempt to incite tension and chaos among Muslims in Nigeria,” the statement added.
The forum maintained that the Islamic Movement is not a conventional organisation but a movement guided by an ideology that advocates justice and resistance against oppression.
It further stated that in more than five decades of Islamic activism in Nigeria, no court of law has convicted the movement of terrorism or involvement in violent activities.
The forum maintained that throughout more than five decades of Islamic activism in Nigeria, no court has ever convicted the Islamic Movement of terrorism or involvement in violent activities.
“For more than five decades of Islamic activism in Nigeria, no court of law has convicted the Islamic Movement of terrorism or violent activity. At no point in our history have adherents of the movement attacked any individual or organisation in the name of the movement,” the statement said.
The forum added that the allegations existed only in the imagination of individuals seeking to portray Muslims in a negative light.
“These baseless claims exist only in the imagination of those seeking to demonise Muslims and silence legitimate voices of solidarity with oppressed people,” the statement said.
It also maintained that members of the movement, like other Nigerians, have the constitutional right to express solidarity with oppressed people anywhere in the world.
“Standing with the oppressed has always been part of the movement’s history and identity,” the forum stated.
The group explained that its support for Palestinians and other oppressed communities is driven by humanitarian concerns and universal principles of justice.
“Our solidarity with the Palestinian people and other oppressed communities around the world is rooted in moral conviction, humanitarian concern and the universal principles of justice,” the statement added.
The forum urged Nigerians to disregard the allegations and remain vigilant against attempts to sow division among citizens.
The forum urged Nigerians to ignore what it described as unfounded allegations and remain alert to attempts aimed at creating division and spreading misinformation among citizens.
“We call on the Nigerian public to disregard these unfounded allegations and remain vigilant against attempts to sow division, misinformation and hostility among the people,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, security was tightened in parts of Kaduna on Friday following rumours of a planned demonstration by Muslim faithful after Juma’at prayers.
Our correspondent, who monitored activities across several mosques, observed a heavy security presence as worshippers gathered for the weekly congregational prayers.
Across the Kaduna metropolis, heavily armed police officers were deployed at strategic locations, including Station Roundabout, Stadium Roundabout, NEPA Roundabout and the Singer area.
Commercial activities continued at the Mahmud Gumi Central Market and other major business districts, with residents going about their daily routines. However, there were fewer commercial vehicles on the roads, as many transport operators reportedly stayed off the streets due to fears of possible unrest.
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