12 Northern Governors, Traditional Rulers, and Judges face possible U.S. sanctions over alleged christian persecution in Nigeria.
NaijaOnPoint Nigeria reports that twelve northern governors, top traditional rulers, and senior judges are facing the prospect of sweeping U.S. sanctions as the United States Congress considers a bill alleging complicity in what American lawmakers describe as a “Christian genocide” in northern Nigeria.
The move follows Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) by U.S. President Donald Trump, who instructed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to act swiftly.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump decried “the killing of thousands of Christians in Nigeria,” directing Congressman Riley Moore and House Appropriations Committee Chair Tom Cole to investigate the matter and report back to him.
The proposed Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025, sponsored by Republican Senator Ted Cruz, seeks sanctions against Nigerian public officials and religious leaders accused of enabling or tolerating violence against Christians and religious minorities under Sharia and blasphemy laws.
If passed, the bill would authorise the U.S. Secretary of State to list Nigerian governors, judges, and monarchs found complicit within 90 days, invoking the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability framework (Executive Order 13818) which could trigger visa bans, asset freezes, and financial restrictions.
Focus on Sharia Law and Religious Violence
The bill highlights the expansion of Sharia-based criminal law in 12 northern states: Zamfara, Kano, Sokoto, Katsina, Bauchi, Borno, Jigawa, Kebbi, Yobe, Kaduna, Niger, and Gombe since 2000, a development the U.S. lawmakers say has “institutionalised persecution” of Christians.
Cruz claimed that since 2009, more than 52,000 Christians have been murdered and 20,000 churches destroyed in Nigeria, accusing both federal and state authorities of “complicity and failure to act.”
Several blasphemy-related killings including the 2022 murder of Deborah Samuel in Sokoto and other mob killings in Bauchi and Kano were cited as examples of systemic impunity.
Nigeria Defends Its Legal System
In a detailed response, the Federal Government dismissed the allegations as “false and politically motivated,” stressing that Nigeria remains a multi-religious democracy where no state religion is recognised.
In a statement titled “Nigeria’s Constitutional Commitment to Religious Freedom and Rule of Law,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Sharia applies only to Muslims and is elective in civil matters such as marriage and inheritance.
“There is no federal offence of blasphemy in Nigerian law,” the statement read, adding that national criminal statutes are religion-neutral and “apply equally to all faiths.”
The government further described the U.S. bill as “legally and factually flawed,” arguing that it wrongly merges federal and state legal systems while misrepresenting public-order laws as “religious persecution.”
Trump Threatens Military Action
In a controversial statement, Trump warned that the U.S. could halt aid and even take military action if Nigeria fails to stop the killing of Christians.
“If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the USA will stop all aid — and may go in ‘guns-a-blazing’ to wipe out Islamic terrorists,” Trump declared.
U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth echoed the warning, saying the Department of War was “preparing for action” if Nigeria failed to protect Christians.
Tinubu to Meet Trump
Reacting, presidential aide Daniel Bwala confirmed that President Bola Tinubu would meet with Trump “in the coming days” to address the allegations and strengthen counterterrorism cooperation.
“Both leaders share interests in fighting terrorism and protecting all faiths,” Bwala said.
Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga also noted that Tinubu had anticipated the controversy, charging new service chiefs to deliver tangible results in combating emerging security threats.
Experts Warn of Diplomatic Fallout
Former Nigerian ambassador Mohammed Mabdul warned that the designation could cripple U.S.-Nigeria cooperation in security and socio-economic areas, including weapons supply, education aid, and healthcare funding.
Diplomat Ogbole Amedu-Ode cautioned that Nigeria might face “economic isolation” and dwindling foreign investment, while Ambassador Godknows Igali urged the government to use diplomatic channels to resolve the crisis.
Foreign affairs analyst Charles Onunaiju described the situation as a “wake-up call,” urging Abuja to “respond with facts, not hostility.”
Religious Leaders React
CAN’s Northern Chairman, Rev. John Hayab, said Trump’s warning should spur Nigeria’s leaders to act decisively against religious killings.
“Trump is saying, ‘Stop the killings’ and he’s right,” Hayab stated.
However, MURIC’s Executive Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, urged calm, saying any U.S. strike “must target terrorists, not Muslims or mosques.”
“Terrorists are not part of us. If America attacks Boko Haram or ISIS, that’s fine. But if innocent Muslims are targeted, it becomes aggression,” he warned.
Sultan and PDP Voices
Former U.S. Mayor Mike Arnold accused the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, of “failing to stop jihadist violence,” but the Sultanate dismissed the claims as “baseless and divisive.”
PDP chieftain Segun Showunmi cautioned that combining the CPC and Global Magnitsky Act designations could devastate Nigeria’s image and economy, saying:
“One targets the government; the other targets individuals. Together, they are lethal.”
Kwankwaso Urges Cooperation
Former Kano Governor Rabi’u Kwankwaso appealed to the U.S. for “technological assistance, not threats,” urging dialogue and diplomatic engagement over confrontation.
“The U.S. should assist with technology to tackle insecurity, not polarise our nation,” he said.