MURIC calls for distinct identity as it disowns AMURIC’s position on security issues

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has distanced itself from a recent statement jointly issued by the Amalgamated Muslim Rights Concern (AMURIC) and a Fulani group, clarifying that it had no involvement in the publication and does not share some of the positions expressed therein.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Secretary of its Oyo State Chapter, Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, MURIC said the clarification became necessary following widespread public confusion arising from the similarity between the names of the two organisations.

According to the group, AMURIC, which stands for Amalgamated Muslim Rights Concern, is a separate Islamic organisation and should not be mistaken for MURIC, a national advocacy group that has operated under its current name since its establishment in 1994.

“It will be difficult for MURIC to change its own name because it has been using the same name since its formation in 1994. It was this same name that was registered by the Nigerian registration authority Cooperate Affairs Commission (CAC). Unless a miracle occurs, it may be difficult for the authorities to register AMURIC,” it stated.

The organisation explained that while it respects AMURIC as a sister Islamic body, the similarity in names has created avoidable misconceptions regarding the source of public statements issued by either group.

“MURIC was not part of the statement issued jointly with a Fulani group on Friday, June 5, 2026. We knew nothing about it and had no involvement whatsoever in its contents,” the statement said.

MURIC also disclosed that it disagreed with aspects of the statement, particularly the references made to prominent Yoruba figures, including Chief Sunday Igboho, former Ekiti State Governor, Chief Ayodele Fayose, and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.

The group maintained that every ethnic nationality in Nigeria has the constitutional and moral right to defend itself against criminal elements, provided such actions are carried out within the ambit of the law and in support of legitimate security structures.

It noted that Yoruba leaders and community stakeholders have the right to mobilise support against banditry and terrorism, especially in areas facing security threats.

MURIC further expressed support for community-based security initiatives operating in the South-West, including the Amotekun Corps, the Oduduwa People’s Congress and other recognised vigilante groups working alongside security agencies to combat criminality.

The organisation urged AMURIC to consider adopting a more distinct identity to avoid future confusion among members of the public, media organisations, and stakeholders.

According to MURIC, changing its own name would be impractical given its longstanding history, public recognition, and legal registration dating back more than three decades.

The group reiterated that its clarification was not intended to create divisions among Islamic organisations but to ensure accurate attribution of public statements and preserve the integrity of its positions on national issues.

It concluded by restating that the controversial statement was issued solely by AMURIC in collaboration with a Fulani group and should not be attributed to MURIC under any circumstances.