The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called on security agencies to immediately arrest and prosecute a man identified as Maazi Kanayo over an alleged audio message inciting violence against Igbo Muslims in South Eastern Nigeria.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, 31 December 2025, the faith-based human rights organisation said it was in possession of a viral audio recording in which the individual allegedly urged members of the public to target Igbo Muslims in parts of the South East.
The statement, signed by MURIC’s Founder and Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, alleged that the message specifically mentioned Igbo Muslims residing in Enugu, Ebonyi and Imo states, describing the development as “extremely dangerous” at a time when the country is grappling with widespread security challenges.
MURIC warned that the alleged comments place the lives of many Igbo Muslims at risk and could spark serious communal tension in the region. The group noted that some Igbo Muslims occupy leadership positions, including traditional rulership roles, in their communities, making the situation potentially volatile.
The organisation therefore urged the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force to act swiftly by arresting, detaining and prosecuting the suspect in the interest of national security and peaceful coexistence.
“Every minute counts as the lives of thousands of people hang in the balance,” the statement stressed, while calling for decisive action to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
MURIC reiterated its commitment to dialogue and non-violence, urging authorities to treat the matter with the urgency it deserves to avert further tension in the South East.
