• Super Admin
• 06 Mar, 2026

The forum criticised the ambassador for making such claims while Israel faces global condemnation over its military operations in Gaza. 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 West Africa. In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its President, Ammar Muhammad, the forum described the claims as false, provocative, and capable of creating tension among Muslims, insisting they aimed to demonise the movement and silence voices supporting oppressed people globally. "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 forum criticised the ambassador for making such claims while Israel faces global condemnation over its military operations 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. Highlighting the humanitarian toll of the Gaza conflict, the forum alleged that tens of thousands of civilians have been killed and noted that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 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. The group described it as ironic for Israel's envoy to accuse the Islamic Movement of violent activity 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 said. The forum emphasised that the Islamic Movement is a principled organisation advocating justice and resistance against oppression. "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. It added that allegations linking the movement to violence exist 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. The forum also defended its support for oppressed communities globally, saying: "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." It urged Nigerians to disregard the allegations and remain vigilant against attempts to create division. "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. Heavily armed police were stationed at strategic locations, including Station Roundabout, Stadium Roundabout, NEPA Roundabout, and the Singer area. Commercial activities continued at Mahmud Gumi Central Market and other major business districts, though there were fewer commercial vehicles on the roads, with many transport operators reportedly staying away due to fears of unrest. Source: https://saharareporters.com/2026/03/06/islamic-movement-rejects-israeli-envoys-allegations-over-sponsorship-terrorism-nigeria