Mother of Kidnapped Student Accuses Sheikh Gumi of Demanding N800,000 for ‘Transport’ Before Offering Help

The mother of one of the students kidnapped in Kaduna has recounted a heartbreaking ordeal, alleging that Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi demanded N800,000 as “transport” before agreeing to intervene in the case of her abducted child.

Speaking in an emotional interview, the distressed mother a widow said she approached the cleric after exhausting all other avenues in her desperate attempt to secure her child’s release.

According to her, the family gathered N800,000 and handed it over to Gumi’s aides on the understanding that the payment would facilitate his mediation with the kidnappers.

“We gave N800,000 to Sheikh Gumi just for transport,” she said, fighting back tears.
“I begged him. I told him I am a widow and have no one else. But he said it wasn’t his concern.”

The woman said she believed the cleric could help because of his past engagements with armed groups in northern Nigeria.

However, after paying the money, she claimed she received no further communication or tangible support.

Her allegation has sparked intense public debate, with many Nigerians expressing outrage and calling for an investigation into the role of private individuals in hostage negotiations.

Sheikh Gumi has been a controversial figure in recent years for his outreach efforts to bandit groups, often positioning himself as a mediator. As of press time, he has not issued an official response to the widow’s claims.

Security analysts warn that the situation highlights the desperation faced by families of kidnap victims, who often turn to intermediaries out of fear and limited options.

Human rights groups have renewed calls for stronger government-led rescue operations and stricter regulation of third-party negotiators.

Meanwhile, the kidnapped student remains in captivity, with the family pleading for authorities to intensify efforts to secure their child’s safe return.