The Media Forum of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria has rejected allegations by the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, accusing the movement and Iran of sponsoring terrorism and instability in Nigeria and the West African region.
The group described the claims as false, provocative, and capable of creating tension among Muslims in the country, insisting they were aimed at demonising the movement and silencing voices supporting oppressed people globally.
In a press statement issued on Friday and signed by its President, Ammar Muhammad, the forum said it “strongly condemns and rejects” the remarks credited to the 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 read.
The group argued that it was inappropriate for Israel’s representative to accuse others of terrorism while his country faces global criticism over its military actions in Gaza.
“It is both inappropriate and unacceptable for the representative of a state widely found guilty of committing genocide and grave violations of international laws to lecture others about terrorism or security,” the statement added.
The forum alleged that Israel’s actions in Gaza have drawn widespread condemnation from international organisations and human rights groups, claiming that tens of thousands of civilians have been killed in the conflict.
The statement also referenced the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, noting that he has been declared wanted by the International Criminal Court over alleged war crimes.
“As a result, he reportedly avoids travelling to several countries, including many in Europe, for fear of arrest, as many nations have indicated their readiness to enforce the ICC’s order,” the forum stated.
According to the group, it was therefore ironic for Israel’s representative to accuse others of supporting terrorism. They also rejected claims linking the 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 group said.
The forum maintained that the Islamic Movement is not a conventional organisation but a movement driven by an ideology advocating 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 violent activity.
“For more than five decades of Islamic activism in Nigeria, no court of law has ever convicted the Islamic Movement of terrorism or violent activity. At no point in our history have the 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 negatively.
“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 added.
It also insisted 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 said its support for Palestinians and other oppressed communities is based on 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 therefore called on Nigerians to disregard the allegations and remain vigilant against attempts to create division 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 across parts of Kaduna on Friday following rumours of a planned demonstration by Muslim faithful after Juma’at prayers.
Our correspondent who monitored activities in several mosques observed a heavy security presence as worshippers gathered for the weekly congregational prayers.
Within the Kaduna metropolis, heavily armed police officers were stationed at strategic locations, including Station Roundabout, Stadium Roundabout, NEPA Roundabout, and the Singer area of the city.
0Commercial activities continued at Mahmud Gumi Central Market and other major business districts, as residents went about their daily routines. However, there were fewer commercial vehicles on the roads, with many transport operators reportedly staying away due to fears of possible unrest.
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