Shari’ah Council Rejects US Claim on Kwankwaso

The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) has rejected claims contained in a recent bill before the United States Congress alleging “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, describing the narrative as false and dangerous.

Five lawmakers of the United States of America have proposed a bill seeking to impose visa ban and asset freezes on individuals and groups, they allege aided the controversial ‘Christians genocide’ in Nigeria.

Among those listed for possible sanctions are Former Kano State Governor, Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Miyetti Allah, among others.

But in a statement signed by its Secretary General, Nafiu Baba Ahmad, the council also condemned what it described as the “targeting” of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in connection with the allegations.

The council said while Nigeria faces serious security challenges, including terrorism, banditry and organised criminal violence, there is no state-sponsored or religiously driven policy of extermination against Christians.

It stated that reducing Nigeria’s complex security crisis to what it called a “simplistic genocide narrative” was not only misleading but could further inflame tensions within the country.

The SCSN expressed concern that legislative and policy positions abroad appeared to be based on what it described as sensational and unreliable data, including media reports it said lacked sufficient understanding of Nigeria’s conflict dynamics.

It criticised what it termed the reliance on unverified commentaries and anecdotal accounts, arguing that grave international decisions should be based on credible research and engagement with knowledgeable institutions.

The council also faulted remarks allegedly attributed to the Nigerian First Lady calling for increased U.S. military action in northern Nigeria, describing such suggestions as reckless and insensitive to civilian lives.

According to the council, while it supports genuine international assistance — including technical, intelligence and humanitarian support — it opposes militaristic approaches driven by what it called false premises.

On the reported mention of Kwankwaso in the U.S. legislative process, the council described it as unjust and selective, arguing that singling out one individual among Nigeria’s political class reflected bias rather than fairness.

It said Nigeria’s deeper challenge lies in economic hardship and governance failures that have fuelled poverty and insecurity, urging observers to focus on structural issues rather than scapegoating individuals.

The council further said Kwankwaso’s opposition to the designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged religious persecution might have contributed to what it termed his “targeting.”

Reiterating its position, the SCSN condemned terrorism and criminal violence in all forms, stating that both Muslims and Christians have been victims of attacks, with northern Muslim communities suffering heavily from insurgency and banditry.

The council called on the U.S. government and lawmakers to exercise restraint and engage credible Nigerian institutions in addressing security concerns, stressing that Nigeria requires partnership based on mutual respect and accurate information.

It warned that narratives capable of deepening religious or ethnic divisions would undermine peacebuilding efforts and coexistence in the country.

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