CSMN Accuses NSCIA of Distorting Oritsejafor’s Comments, Urges Tinubu to Call Muslim Leaders to Order

Our Correspondent

The Christian Social Movement of Nigeria (CSMN) has accused the Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) of deliberately distorting the comments of Christian leader, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, and has called on President Bola Tinubu to prevail on Muslim leaders to rein in extremists behind insecurity in the country.

In a rejoinder issued on July 2, 2026 and signed by its CEO/Executive Secretary, Bosun Emmanuel, CSMN described as “provocative and insensitive” an NSCIA statement published on June 29, 2026, which warned the Federal Government to act before Muslims “run out of patience” over alleged profiling and marginalization.

CSMN said the NSCIA, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, twisted Oritsejafor’s interview on Channels TV.

According to CSMN, the clergyman stated that “99.9% of those who are practising and making this thing thrive are Muslims, not Christians” in reference to insecurity. The NSCIA, however, reported him as saying “90 to 95 percent of criminals were Muslims.”

“Pastor Oritsejafor did not call Muslims ‘criminals.’ Mr. Abbas Jimoh, the Public Affairs Officer of the Islamic body, did,” the statement said, accusing the NSCIA spokesman of “deliberate mischief” to incite the public.

The Christian body further alleged that all major terrorist groups operating in Nigeria, including Boko Haram, ISWAP, Lakurawa, and “Fulani Herdsmen,” are Muslim.

It added that the Sultan, who is also President of NSCIA and “Sarkin Muslumi,” cannot absolve himself of “criminal negligence” for failing to call his followers and subjects to order.

CSMN also rejected NSCIA’s claim that a “pastor” was linked to the kidnapping of school children and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Citing the Islamic doctrine of taqiyyah, CSMN said it was falsehood to suggest a Christian was behind the abduction, noting that the kidnappers demanded Sharia implementation and the release of Muslim suspects.

The group appealed to President Tinubu to “call his religious compatriots to order,” stating that “extremists amongst Muslims have used their unbridled religious fervour to destabilize and disorganize Nigeria.”

CSMN added that Nigerian Christians “stand with and behind” Pastor Oritsejafor and cautioned NSCIA to be careful in its comments about the Christian leader.

The NSCIA statement had alleged “persistent attacks, profiling and marginalization of the faith and its adherents” and urged the FG to act swiftly to prevent further tension.

The rise in insecurity in Nigeria has been a subject of public debate, with religious leaders on both sides trading accusations in recent weeks.

Please follow and like us:

20