Tinubu Faces US Pressure Over Christian Genocide Claims

Diplomacy, Investigations, National Security, Nigeria

Christian Genocide: 12 States Have Sharia, Tinubu Faces US Pressure

US lawmaker Riley Moore accuses Tinubu of ignoring mass attacks on Christians as 12 states enforce Sharia and Washington designates Nigeria a CPC.

Atlantic Post

November 22, 2025

2–3 minutes

Country of Particular Concern, Human Rights, International Affairs, Nigeria, religious persecution, Riley Moore, Sharia Law, Tinubu

In an escalating transatlantic dispute over the fate of Nigeria’s Christian communities, US Congressman Riley Moore has publicly accused President Bola Tinubu of minimising a campaign of targeted violence and of putting political interest above protection of citizens.

Moore is leading a US legislative inquiry. Some supporters describe it as an investigation into a “genocide” of Christians. He told Fox News that Mr Tinubu’s insistence that Nigeria guarantees religious freedom is “completely false.” Moore pointed to the reality of blasphemy prosecutions and life-and-death cases now before state courts.

The political flashpoint is not simply rhetoric. Since 1999, twelve northern states have incorporated variants of Sharia into their legal systems. International monitors repeatedly highlight this fact when assessing Nigeria’s record on freedom of religion or belief.

Those institutional arrangements have erected parallel legal and policing actors. In those systems, blasphemy and related offences carry severe penalties in practice. This happens even where federal law purportedly protects religious liberty.

Washington’s decision to relabel Nigeria as a Country Of Particular Concern has hardened tone. This change is under the International Religious Freedom Act. It has threatened consequences.

The designation, and subsequent warnings from the White House, followed sustained pressure from US lawmakers and civil society pointing to mass killings, church burnings and systematic targeting of Christian communities by Islamist militants and armed pastoralist groups.

The effect has been immediate diplomatic strain. Abuja rejected the categorisation as based on “faulty data.” They insist their fight is against terrorism, not a faith community.

For investigators and human rights researchers the question is empirical. Multiple faith based and independent monitoring organisations document large numbers of Christians killed, abducted or displaced over the past decade and beyond.

Reports compiled by Nigerian civil society organisations claim casualties numbering in the tens of thousands since 2009. They also report thousands of destroyed churches. There is widespread displacement of Christian communities.

International groups such as Open Doors have flagged Nigeria as among the most dangerous countries in the world for Christians. These figures are disputed in detail, but they form the evidential backbone of calls for urgent action.

For Mr Tinubu the dilemma is stark. He must reconcile defence of national sovereignty. Additionally, he needs to avoid international sanctions. He must also take visible, credible steps to restore security to regions. In these regions, Islamist insurgents launch criminal attacks and Jihadi violence on Christian communities.

The US probe led by Moore signals a readiness in Washington to translate outrage into policy pressure. Nigerians in the affected states need immediate protection. There must be accountability. They require a transparent and independent inquiry into the deaths and displacements. These events have left whole communities bereft.

This developing story will reshape Nigeria’s foreign relations and will test the Tinubu administration’s claimed commitment to pluralism. The evidence marshalled by campaigners and some foreign governments deserves rigorous national investigation and clear, proportionate remedies not evasive statements.

Additional reporting by Suleiman Adamu, Senior National correspondent.