diff --git a/src/tabs.py b/src/tabs.py
index 5e1f3038..0814d2fc 100644
--- a/src/tabs.py
+++ b/src/tabs.py
@@ -1855,7 +1855,7 @@ class RosterInfoTab(Tab):
         """
         Remove the specified JID to the specified group
         """
-        args = args.split(None, 1)
+        args = common.shell_split(args)
         if len(args) != 2:
             return
         jid = JID(args[0]).bare