The Amalgamated Muslim Rights Concern (AMURIC) has called on Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko and Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu to publicly address allegations of sodomy and persecution levelled against them by Alhaji Buhari Namalam, a Sokoto-based businessman and politician.
The Muslim rights group said the claims, which have gained traction through viral videos and media reports, were too sensitive to be ignored, particularly given Sokoto’s historical status as the spiritual hub of Islam in Nigeria.
Namalam, a former grassroots mobiliser for Governor Aliyu during the 2023 elections, had alleged that he was subjected to persecution after refusing immoral advances, claims he reportedly swore to on the Holy Qur’an.
He further accused powerful political figures in the state of orchestrating a smear campaign against him.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, and made available to journalists on Saturday, AMURIC said silence from the political leaders mentioned in the allegations could damage public confidence and deepen moral and religious anxieties among Muslims nationwide.
“Sodomy is a grave matter in Islam, clearly condemned by the Qur’an and treated with utmost seriousness. When such allegations are linked to Sokoto, widely regarded as the spiritual seat of Islamic leadership in Nigeria, they demand urgent and transparent clarification,” the group said.
AMURIC warned that if the claims were politically motivated, politicians must desist from weaponising sensitive moral and religious issues for personal or factional battles.
“Invoking an issue as dangerous, immoral and socially destructive as sodomy for political advantage is reckless and harmful, not only to individuals but to the image of Islam and Muslims in Nigeria,” the statement read.
However, the organisation added that if there was any substance to the allegations, appropriate Islamic authorities and relevant Shari’a institutions should immediately investigate to prevent what it described as the normalisation of practices prohibited in Islam.
The group further expressed concern that Nigerian Muslims were already facing numerous challenges from hostile forces and warned that unresolved controversies of this nature could worsen internal divisions and erode unity within the Ummah.
AMURIC said it remained committed to defending Islamic values, safeguarding Muslim unity and ensuring that Nigeria did not “slide into moral confusion under any guise.”
The allegations have continued to generate debate in Sokoto’s political circles, but neither Senator Wamakko nor Governor Aliyu has publicly responded to the claims as of the time of filing this report.
‘
‘Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
Leave a comment