Northern Pulse

The Darul Ulumil Ja’afariyya Cultural Foundation has dismissed allegations by the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Michael Freeman, linking Shi’a institutions in the country to terrorism.

The foundation, a registered Shi’a-based religious and educational organisation, described the claims as unfounded and misleading, saying they misrepresented the peaceful activities of Shi’a groups operating in Nigeria.

The reaction followed remarks reportedly made by the ambassador during an interview on Arise TV, in which he alleged that the Iranian government sponsors terrorist activities in Nigeria and suggested connections between Shi’a institutions and violent extremism.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the foundation said it categorically rejected any attempt to associate Shi’a organisations in Nigeria with terrorism.

It stated that Shi’a institutions in the country had consistently operated within the framework of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and had maintained lawful and peaceful educational engagements.

“At no point has our foundation or any recognised Shi’a educational institution in Nigeria engaged in or promoted acts of violence or terrorism,” the statement said.

The group explained that its relationship with the Islamic Republic of Iran was strictly educational and religious, noting that Nigerian scholars often pursue Islamic studies in Iran and Iraq because the countries host internationally recognised centres of learning devoted to the teachings of Ahlul Bait, the household of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family).

According to the foundation, such academic exchanges are comparable to Nigerian students studying in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Kingdom or the United States for religious or secular education.

“Studying abroad does not equate to involvement in political or military agendas. It is purely intellectual and theological engagement,” the organisation said.

The foundation also emphasised that the teachings of Ahlul Bait promote peace, justice, moral discipline and harmonious coexistence, adding that it remained committed to interfaith dialogue, lawful civic engagement and national unity.

It further cautioned against attempts to draw Nigeria into geopolitical rivalries or international conflicts through what it described as unsubstantiated claims.

The group urged the Nigerian Government to exercise prudence and avoid giving undue attention to statements that could be politically motivated or aimed at externalising foreign conflicts onto Nigerian soil.

“Nigeria is a sovereign nation with its own security architecture capable of independently assessing and addressing security matters,” the statement added.

The foundation reiterated its loyalty to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and its commitment to peaceful religious propagation, education and lawful civic participation.

It also expressed readiness to engage with relevant authorities and stakeholders to clarify any concerns while continuing to contribute to national development.

The organisation stressed that Nigeria’s unity, peace and sovereignty must remain paramount.