KADUNA, Nigeria — Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has publicly denied allegations linking him to banditry and insecurity in northern Nigeria, describing viral online reports and edited video clips as false and misleading.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Kaduna, Gumi said he had no connection whatsoever to the sponsorship, protection, or justification of armed bandit groups operating across the country.
Okay News reports that the cleric’s reaction follows the circulation of multiple social media posts, videos, and commentaries accusing him of sympathizing with criminal gangs responsible for kidnappings and violent attacks in parts of northern Nigeria.
Gumi stated that several of the clips being circulated online were deliberately edited from previous interviews and lectures discussing insecurity and conflict resolution in the region.
“I hereby state unequivocally that any video clip, written statement, or message attributed to me, whether directly or by innuendo, suggesting support for, justification of, protection of, or advocacy for banditry in Nigeria or anywhere else does not emanate from me,” he said.
The cleric also warned that he would pursue legal action against individuals and platforms spreading what he described as defamatory and manipulated content about him.
While reaffirming his loyalty to Nigeria, Gumi maintained that the security crisis in the north cannot be solved through military operations alone. He argued that poverty, injustice, and lack of education remain major factors fueling violence and criminality in affected communities.
He urged security agencies and the public to disregard the viral materials, insisting that his comments on insecurity have consistently been aimed at encouraging peaceful solutions and long-term stability.
