Reported by: Ime Richard Aondofa | Edited by: Henry Owen | Stone Reporters News
The Nigerian Army formally welcomed Zakir Naik, a well-known Islamic preacher, at the airport during his recent visit to the country. Naik, who has been banned in the UK, Canada, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, and is wanted in India, also held a meeting with the Sultan of Sokoto as part of his visit. Reports indicate that he additionally visited Nasarawa State University, where he reportedly engaged students in religious teachings.
Naik’s entry into Nigeria has reignited discussions about his controversial background. He has faced bans and legal challenges internationally due to accusations of hate speech and incitement of violence. In the UK, he has been banned since 2010, with his Peace TV channel fined and pulled off the air. Canada denied him entry in 2010 and 2016, labeling him a security risk. Following the 2019 Easter bombings in Sri Lanka, which left over 250 dead and whose perpetrators reportedly cited his speeches, his channels were blocked there. Bangladesh banned him in 2016 after attacks in Dhaka were linked to his influence, and he is currently wanted in India for money laundering, hate speech, and inciting terrorism, with Interpol issuing a red notice, though Malaysia has refused extradition.
Supporters of Naik describe him as a scholar defending Islam against perceived Islamophobia, while governments cite clips from his lectures, including past statements praising figures such as Osama bin Laden, as evidence of inflammatory rhetoric. Notably, the United States has not banned him but continues to monitor his activities.
The visit has drawn attention for the official welcome by the Nigerian Army and the engagement with traditional religious leadership, raising debates about the influence of international religious figures in the country.
By Stone Reporters News
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