U.S. Lawmaker Challenges Kwankwaso Over Alleged Role in Christian Killings

A member of the United States House of Representatives, Riley M. Moore, has called out former Kano State Governor and leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, over alleged complicity in the persecution and killing of Christians in northern Nigeria.

Moore, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), accused Kwankwaso of institutionalising religious intolerance through the introduction of Sharia law during his first tenure as governor in 2000.

“Governor—do you care to comment on your own complicity in the death of Christians?” Moore queried. “You instituted Sharia law. You signed the law that makes so-called blasphemy punishable by death.”

The lawmaker’s remarks came in response to Kwankwaso’s statement condemning U.S. President Donald Trump’s renewed designation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” (CPC) over alleged religious persecution.

Trump had earlier directed American officials, including Moore, to monitor developments in Nigeria, while threatening possible U.S. military action against groups accused of targeting Christians.

In his reaction, Kwankwaso dismissed the U.S. designation, insisting that Nigeria’s insecurity is driven by criminality rather than religion.

“Our country is a sovereign nation facing multiple security threats from outlaws. These challenges do not discriminate by religion, ethnicity, or politics,” Kwankwaso said.

He urged Washington to assist Nigeria with advanced technology to combat insecurity rather than issuing threats that could “further polarise the country.”

The NNPP chieftain also advised the Federal Government to appoint special envoys and ambassadors to engage with the U.S. and defend Nigeria’s interests abroad.

However, Moore’s comments have reignited old debates surrounding the introduction of full Sharia law in Kano during Kwankwaso’s first administration—an action that drew both domestic and international criticism at the time.

Reports by the BBC and other global media had detailed how the policy enforced Islamic codes, banned alcohol, and prescribed punishments such as amputation for theft. Although the state government maintained that the law would not apply to Christians, critics argued that it encouraged intolerance and deepened religious tension.

Kwankwaso, now a key political figure ahead of the 2027 elections, has yet to issue a direct response to Moore’s renewed allegations.