The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has raised concerns over what it described as persistent profiling of Islam and Muslims by some individuals and groups, warning that continued attacks on the faith and its adherents could threaten Nigeria’s peace and unity.
The apex Islamic body, under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, made the position known in a statement by its Public Affairs Officer, Abbas Jimoh.
The council says Muslims had remained calm despite what it called repeated provocations, marginalisation and unfounded allegations, stressing that its commitment to peaceful coexistence and national unity had guided its response.
The council specifically criticised comments allegedly made by a former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Ayo Oritsejafor, during a recent television programme, where he was quoted as saying that between 90 and 95% of criminals in Nigeria were Muslims. It described the statement as reckless and capable of creating tension among Nigerians, arguing that relevant government agencies and security institutions should have taken action against such remarks in the interest of peace and national security.
The Islamic body also faulted what it termed selective reactions by security agencies and parts of the media to religious-related issues, alleging that similar comments targeting Christians would have attracted immediate condemnation.
Reacting to recent kidnapping incidents in Oyo State, the NSCIA rejected attempts to link criminal activities to Muslims or Fulani, saying a suspect arrested in connection with a kidnapping case in Orire was reportedly a Christian pastor. The council further accused some media organisations of applying double standards in reporting crimes involving people from different religious backgrounds.
On political representation, the NSCIA argued that Muslims had experienced marginalisation despite their contributions to Nigeria’s development. It cited examples from past political arrangements, including the presidential aspirations of Nnamdi Azikiwe and Obafemi Awolowo, as well as appointments during the administration of Yakubu Gowon, insisting that religious sentiments were not raised during those periods.
The Council, however, reaffirmed its call for Muslims to remain peaceful, while urging the Federal Government and security agencies to act decisively against inflammatory statements and what it described as attacks on Islam and Muslims.
