The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has strongly criticised the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, over his recent allegation that Iran is behind terrorism in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Monday, March 9, 2026, and signed by its Executive Director, Ishaq Akintola, the Islamic human rights group described the allegation as “baseless, audacious and fallacious,” accusing the envoy of making the claim while “somnambulating.”
Freeman had reportedly alleged during a media interaction that Iran was linked to terrorist activities in Nigeria, a claim MURIC rejected “totally, completely and categorically.”
Akintola said the ambassador lacked the moral authority to accuse any country of terrorism, insisting that Israel itself has faced global criticism over its military actions in the Middle East.
“Israel’s ambassador to Nigeria must have been somnambulating at the time he made the allegation. This is a case of the kettle calling the pot black,” the statement read.
The group also referenced the ongoing conflict in Gaza Strip and the large number of casualties reported since the escalation of hostilities following the October 7 attacks on Israel, accusing Israel of excessive use of force.
MURIC further cited the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to the Gaza conflict.
According to Akintola, the charges include using starvation as a weapon of war, murder and persecution.
The group urged the Israeli envoy to refrain from making what it described as unfounded allegations, insisting that Nigerians would not be “hoodwinked by such claims.”
MURIC also commended the journalist who reportedly challenged the ambassador during the exchange that led to the controversy.
