Prominent Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, wanted by the Indian counterterrorism agency for inciting religious "disharmony or feelings of enmity, hatred" in his teachings, arrived in Nigeria on the invitation of Sa'ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto. Naik, who gained notoriety when one of the suspects in the 2016 Dhaka attack attributed his motivations to Naik's teachings, has raised concerns in Nigeria due to its history of religious violence and Boko Haram activities. He posted photos with Nigerian officials, causing controversy.
Besides terrorism-related charges, Indian authorities also accused Naik of money laundering totaling $28 million, used to purchase opulent properties in India and Dubai. India's Enforcement Directorate investigated the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), owned by Naik, for receiving funds from dubious sources. Naik faced bans in the UK and Malaysia due to his provocative speeches.
As of March 2023, India was working with Oman authorities to extradite Naik. His presence in Nigeria has sparked concerns due to the potential for his speeches to incite violence and hatred in a country already grappling with religious extremism and insecurity.
The Sultan of Sokoto, who invited Naik, has not responded to inquiries about harboring a wanted alleged criminal
Source: Peoples Gazette
