By KosofePost
A Nigerian legal practitioner and public interest advocate, Malcolm Emokiniovo Omirhobo, has questioned recurring claims that Iran sponsors terrorism in Nigeria, calling for evidence-based discussions rather than what he described as geopolitical propaganda.
In a press statement, Omirhobo said public debates around international security should be guided by facts, law, and intellectual honesty. He expressed concern over repeated assertions that Iran supports terrorism in Nigeria and that groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah are universally recognised terrorist organisations.
Reference to 2010 Arms Interception
The lawyer referenced the 2010 interception of containers loaded with arms at Apapa Port. The shipment, which originated from Bandar Abbas, was discovered by Nigerian authorities concealed in containers declared as building materials.
According to Omirhobo, an Iranian national, Azim Aghajani, was prosecuted and convicted by a Nigerian court following the discovery.
However, he argued that investigations at the time did not conclusively establish that the weapons were intended for use in Nigeria or by Nigerian militant groups. He noted that evidence presented during the case suggested the shipment was meant for re-export to The Gambia.
While intelligence reports later speculated about other possible destinations, Omirhobo said such claims were disputed and never conclusively proven in any Nigerian court.
Sanctions and International Diplomacy
The incident was subsequently reported to the United Nations Security Council, because Iran was under international sanctions restricting arms exports at the time.
Omirhobo maintained that the issue therefore related more to sanctions compliance and international diplomacy than to proof of Iranian sponsorship of terrorism in Nigeria.
Debate Over Global Terrorist Designations
He also addressed the global classification of Hamas and Hezbollah, noting that while some countries designate them as terrorist organisations, other states and political movements regard them as resistance groups involved in regional conflicts.
According to him, presenting such contested geopolitical positions as universally accepted legal truths is misleading.
Call for Evidence-Based National Security Debate
Omirhobo further warned that Nigeria should avoid becoming a platform for foreign geopolitical propaganda, stressing that national security discussions should be driven by verifiable evidence and the interests of the Nigerian people.
The legal practitioner also challenged diplomats and commentators who claim that Iran sponsors terrorism in Nigeria to present verifiable evidence in an open public debate grounded in international law.
“Nigeria deserves clarity, not propaganda,” he stated.