A Public Clash Over Alleged Support for Terrorists
A heated exchange has unfolded between Kaduna-based Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi and human rights lawyer Malcolm Omirhobo, sparking a national debate over the cleric’s alleged support for terrorists and bandits operating across Nigeria. The conflict began when Omirhobo, a public interest advocate, called on several Nigerian security agencies to investigate and prosecute Gumi for what he described as “consistent justification and defence of terrorists.”
In a Facebook post, the lawyer accused Gumi of repeatedly making public statements that promote and embolden criminal groups responsible for widespread violence, including killings, kidnappings, and mass displacement in the North. He expressed deep concern over Gumi’s claims that these criminals are “listening and reasonable human beings” who should be pacified rather than eliminated by force.
Omirhobo warned that Gumi’s frequent visits to bandit camps and his calls for dialogue with criminals pose a serious threat to national security. He argued that such actions constitute promoting terrorism, violating the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Quoting relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution, including Sections 14(2)(b) and 45(1), he emphasized that “encouraging or defending acts of war against the Nigerian state is treasonable and punishable by life imprisonment or death.”
The lawyer’s statement came amid growing public criticism of Gumi’s recent remarks, particularly his call for Nigeria to cut off diplomatic ties with the United States following President Donald Trump’s threat to intervene militarily over alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
Gumi’s Response: Ultimatum and Legal Threats
In response, Gumi took to his Facebook page to issue a 48-hour ultimatum to Omirhobo. He demanded a retraction and apology for the allegations made against him, warning that failure to comply would result in legal action for defamation and intent to stir religious crisis in Nigeria.
Omirhobo, however, refused to back down. In a counter-statement titled, “Sheikh Gumi, I Did Not Defame You, Let’s Meet in Court,” he insisted that his call for investigation was made in the public interest and based on verifiable facts. He clarified that he did not accuse Gumi of being a terrorist but merely urged security agencies to probe his public activities and statements, describing the move as a lawful civic duty.
“For the avoidance of doubt, my statement is not defamatory but a constitutionally protected commentary relying on the provisions of the Constitution and the Terrorism Prevention Act,” Omirhobo said. He added that if Gumi believed he had been defamed, the proper forum was a court of competent jurisdiction, not intimidation through threats or ultimatums. “No individual, cleric or otherwise, is above the law.”
Public Debate and Divided Opinions
The confrontation has reignited public debate over Gumi’s role in the country’s security crisis, with Nigerians on social media sharply divided over how his consistent sympathy toward terrorists has affected the nation’s anti-terror efforts. While some demanded his arrest, accusing him of shielding or aligning with terrorists, others argued that his advocacy for dialogue and negotiation has often been misunderstood and taken out of context.
As of Friday evening, neither the Department of State Services (DSS) nor the Nigeria Police Force had issued any official statement regarding Omirhobo’s petition or the escalating exchange between the cleric and the lawyer.