The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) has criticised allegations by Michael Freeman accusing Iran of sponsoring Islamic movements in Nigeria as part of a global network promoting terrorism, describing the claims as reckless and potentially dangerous to Nigeria’s social harmony.
In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by its Executive Chairman, Disu Kamor, the group warned that such remarks could inflame religious tensions in a country where peaceful coexistence among diverse communities remains critical to national stability.
MPAC expressed concern that the allegations were made at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East, cautioning against attempts to draw Nigeria’s religious communities into external geopolitical conflicts.
The group called on the federal government and security agencies to approach the claims with caution, insisting that Nigeria must not become a theatre for imported rivalries or propaganda capable of creating suspicion among citizens.
According to the statement, attempts to link Nigeria’s Shia Muslim community to international political disputes could undermine the country’s delicate socio-religious balance.
The organisation also warned against what it described as “manufactured intelligence narratives” that could influence government decisions or justify security actions without credible evidence.
MPAC further urged authorities to ensure that national security policies remain guided strictly by verified intelligence and Nigeria’s national interest.
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The group also referenced remarks by Scott Perry, alleging that funds from the now-defunct United States Agency for International Development (U SAID) may have been diverted to terrorist organisations such as Boko Haram, ISIS, and Al-Qaeda, although the claims remain contested.
Reacting to the allegations attributed to the Israeli envoy, the Islamic Movement of Nigeria reportedly rejected the claims, describing them as false and capable of creating tension among Muslims in the country.
MPAC urged members of the Shia Muslim community to remain law-abiding and avoid actions that could threaten national peace, encouraging them to cooperate with security agencies to safeguard Nigeria’s unity and stability.
The organisation also reiterated its support for peaceful advocacy on global issues, including the Palestinian cause, while cautioning Nigerians against allowing external conflicts to fracture the country’s internal cohesion.
MPAC reaffirmed its commitment to justice, peace, and the protection of Nigeria’s unity, calling on citizens to exercise restraint and civic responsibility in the face of international tensions.
