Sheikh Gumi Breaks Silence On Calls For His Arrest Over Banditry Remarks

Popular Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has hit back at critics calling for his arrest over his ongoing engagement with bandit groups, labeling them “spineless, irresponsible, and unpatriotic imbeciles.”....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a statement shared on Facebook on Sunday, Gumi highlighted his years-long role as a mediator between the government and armed bandits—a position that has attracted both acclaim and condemnation from Nigerians.

Critics have accused him of shielding criminals by advocating dialogue with bandits instead of supporting a military crackdown.

Gumi, however, maintained that he has broken no law, asserting that those demanding his arrest are motivated by prejudice and ignorance. He wrote, “ARREST HIM!!! These are the only words some spineless, irresponsible and unpatriotic imbecilic people can utter.”

According to Gumi, these detractors favor outrage over reasoned discussion, politicizing his peace efforts instead of addressing Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.

He recalled a major peace intervention in January 2021 at Sabon Garin Yadi forest in Giwa Local Government, Kaduna State, conducted with the knowledge and approval of security agencies.

“I was at Sabon Garin Yadi forest, accompanied by the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police… This meeting was part of a peace initiative where we preached to over 600 bandits and their commanders, who agreed to lay down their arms in exchange for security and basic amenities,” he explained.

Gumi emphasized that the negotiation was legitimate, transparent, and aimed at reducing violence. The subsequent collapse of the agreement, he noted, was due to government authorities failing to fulfill promises made to the bandits, including access to basic amenities and assurances of safety from arbitrary arrests.

He argued that rather than holding officials accountable for the failed peace process, some Nigerians have unfairly targeted him.

“The outcome was that over 600 bandits agreed to lay down their arms. They presented conditions… None fulfilled,” Gumi said. He questioned why efforts to persuade bandits to surrender should trigger such public outrage directed at him.

He added, “So, what is there to arrest me for? For calling them to lay arms, providing amenities, or educating the nation about their side of the story?”

Gumi further contended that calls for his arrest reflect intolerance and disregard for free expression.

“Is free speech no longer part of our constitutional right? Is their call for arrest not also prejudiced and an incitement to more violence?” he asked.

He urged Nigerians to rise above emotional reactions and support practical, long-term solutions to insecurity, warning that silencing voices advocating dialogue will not address the deep-rooted socioeconomic and security issues fueling banditry.

The cleric concluded with a prayer for national unity: “May Allah protect our nation from bigotry, stubbornness, and complete intolerance of contrary views and opinions.”