Muslims, Arabs, and Nigerians in the Detroit area held a demonstration yesterday outside the courthouse where Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab was arraigned, to speak out against terrorism. Major LGF kudos to them.

Detroit — Muslims, Arab-Americans and Nigerian-Americans stood together Friday outside the federal courthouse downtown to speak out against terrorism and Islamic extremists.

An estimated 150 people attended a peaceful demonstration, carrying large American flags and signs that read, “Not in the Name of Islam” and “Not in Our Name.”

The rally was held during the U.S. District Court arraignment of terror suspect Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, who is accused of trying to blow up a Northwest Airlines jet bound for Detroit Metropolitan Airport on Christmas Day.

Majed Moughni of Dearborn said he hopes Friday’s rally leads to a “movement” by Muslims to become more vocal in standing up to Islamic radicals who invade their schools and mosques.

“We are not going to let these terrorists hijack our religion,” said Moughni. “We’ve been trying to recover from (the Sept. 11 terror attacks) for nine years. (This) comes right in our backyards, right over the heads of the largest Muslim population in North America.”

Nigerian-American Remigius Obi of Ann Arbor also was among the crowd. He held a sign that read, “Nigeria condemns terrorism. Nigerians disown Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab. Nigeria says sorry to America & the world.”

“I’m here to tell the world that Nigerians don’t support terrorism,” Obi said. “Terrorism is not part of Nigerians’ culture. We love America. We love life.”