The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), on Tuesday, said it has no link with any terrorist group in or outside Nigeria.
Director of MURIC, Prof. Is’haq Akintola, made this known, in a statement, in Lagos.
Prof. Akintola gave assurances that the MURIC was a disciplined organisation and would never be affiliated with any terrorist group.
Recall that social critic and former Minister of Aviation had called for the probe of MURIC and its leadership over allegation credited to a former it is being funded by the Islamic State of West Africa (ISWA) terrorist group.
“Our attention has been drawn to a rumour that MURIC received 200,000 dollars from Islamic State for West Africa Province (ISWAP).
“It is a wicked concoction from the pit of Jahannam. We declare clearly, categorically that we have never had any contact with ISWAP or any other terrorist group.
“We remain committed to the unity and indivisibility of Nigeria,” the organisation’s director said.
Prof. Akintola, also noted that the allegation was ‘illogical’, saying that the group has always condemned every act of terror, whether it happened within or outside the country.
“The motto of MURIC is ‘dialogue, not violence’. So how can we descend so low as to collect money from terrorists? Such lies will not fly.
“The terrorists themselves know that we can never support them. How can they give us money? The allegation is dead on arrival.
“We are a disciplined group. We have never been known to engage in any violent protest or attack since establishment of MURIC in 1994.
“It is most diabolical to accuse a group that has pursued peaceful advocacy for 26 years of having any connection with terrorists,” he said.
Prof. Akintola appealed to the Federal Government to investigate the source of the information, adding that MURIC has never been involved in any international activity.
“We deliberately restricted ourselves to the Nigerian environment in order to avoid complications.
“We have enough on our hands within the country. So how can a former intelligence chief from far away Mali show interest in us?
“We urge our detractors to desist from their evil ways and pursue the path of honour,” he said.
