Christian Genocide Claims: U.S. Lawmaker Riley Moore Says Tinubu Faces Difficult Position Over Sharia Law Allegations

The ongoing global discussion about the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria has taken a new turn following strong remarks made by U.S. lawmaker Riley Moore. Moore, who currently leads investigations into what he describes as a widespread Christian genocide in the country, has argued that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is navigating a challenging and sensitive political landscape while attempting to protect his personal and political interests.

During an interview with Fox News on Sunday, Moore responded to President Tinubu’s earlier comments made this month, where the Nigerian leader insisted that the nation remains a place of religious liberty, tolerance, and constitutionally guaranteed rights for citizens from all faith backgrounds. Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria is committed to upholding freedom of belief and peaceful coexistence.

Moore, however, outrightly rejected the President’s statement, maintaining that the situation on the ground paints a different picture. According to him, the claim of religious freedom in Nigeria does not reflect the experiences of many Christians living in the northern region, where several states operate under Sharia law.

He stated firmly:
“Unfortunately, that is completely false. There are states in Nigeria enforcing blasphemy laws. Individuals are currently on death row solely for accusations of insulting Islam.”

Moore further highlighted a troubling case where a man is allegedly imprisoned after defending himself during an attack by an armed militant identified as a Fulani Muslim. He explained that instead of being protected for acting in self-defense, the individual is now reportedly facing the death penalty, creating a scenario that, according to him, demonstrates the intensity of religious-based violence in the country.

“There is a person right now being held in prison for defending himself from an attack by a militant from the Fulani tribe. He protected himself, yet he is facing execution,” Moore emphasized.

The U.S. lawmaker stressed that what is unfolding across parts of Nigeria represents a serious and alarming pattern of persecution, particularly in areas governed by Sharia law. He suggested that President Tinubu is in a complicated position, attempting to balance political alliances, regional sensitivities, and national unity, while also trying to preserve his administration’s interests.

Moore’s remarks add further pressure to Nigeria’s leadership, intensifying international scrutiny about the treatment of religious minorities. As the debate broadens, global human-rights organizations continue to monitor developments, urging Nigerian authorities to ensure that all citizens—regardless of belief—are granted equal security, justice, and constitutional protection.