Sheikh Gumi Defends Engagement with Bandits, Blasts Critics Calling for His Arrest

Renowned Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has issued a fiery defense of his continued engagement with bandits, slamming those calling for his arrest and accusing them of being driven by bigotry and intolerance.

In a statement shared via Facebook on Sunday, the cleric insisted he has committed no crime by attempting to broker peace with the armed groups.

He described his opponents as “spineless, irresponsible and unpatriotic imbecilic people” who prioritize outrage over the truth.

Sheikh Gumi argued that the loudest voices demanding his arrest are driven by a desire to politicize his peace efforts rather than reflect on Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.

“ARREST HIM!!! These are the only words some spineless, irresponsible and unpatriotic imbecilic people can utter,” he wrote.

The cleric then recounted a major intervention he led in January 2021 in the Sabon Garin Yadi forest in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

He maintained that this negotiation was transparent, legitimate, and conducted with the full approval and knowledge of the authorities.

He stressed that he was escorted on that mission by the then Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, who represented the Inspector-General of Police. The meeting, which was attended by more than 600 armed bandits and their commanders, was part of a broader initiative aimed at persuading the criminal elements to surrender their weapons, embrace dialogue, and cease attacks on local communities in exchange for security and basic amenities.