The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria has called on security agencies to arrest and investigate Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi over comments it described as sympathetic to terrorists and capable of undermining Nigeria’s anti-terrorism efforts.

In a statement issued on Saturday by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the group accused the Federal Government of maintaining what it called a “dangerous silence” over remarks allegedly made by the cleric during a television appearance.

According to HURIWA, Nigerians were alarmed by comments reportedly made by Gumi on May 19 in which he advised citizens to learn how to live with terrorists while suggesting that bandits depend on kidnapping proceeds to fund their operations against security agencies.

The group described the remarks as reckless and provocative, warning that statements perceived to justify or rationalise terrorism could embolden criminal groups responsible for killings, abductions and attacks across parts of the country.

HURIWA stated that no influential public figure should make comments capable of normalising violence at a time communities are facing persistent attacks, schoolchildren are being abducted and farmers displaced from their lands.

The organisation also backed earlier calls by activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju for the cleric to be investigated under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

According to the group, the law criminalises not only acts of terrorism but also actions or statements that may encourage, support or justify terrorist activities.

“The fight against terrorism cannot be selective. A nation that punishes one set of voices while shielding others destroys the moral foundation of justice and weakens public trust in the rule of law,” the statement read.

HURIWA further accused authorities of applying double standards in handling security-related comments, alleging that some individuals receive protection while others are aggressively prosecuted for inflammatory statements.

The group warned that failure to act decisively could create the impression that violent groups enjoy ideological backing from influential interests within the country.

It added that worsening insecurity, mass kidnappings and killings had already overwhelmed many Nigerians, stressing that religious leaders and public figures must make statements that support national unity and ongoing security operations.

HURIWA therefore urged the Department of State Services, the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Attorney-General of the Federation to immediately investigate the cleric’s comments and determine whether any laws had been violated.

The organisation maintained that democracy could not thrive where terrorism is allegedly normalised through rhetoric or treated with political caution.