Renowned Islamic cleric Sheikh Gumi has hit back at calls for his arrest, dismissing them as misguided reactions to his efforts to address banditry and insecurity in Nigeria. In a statement shared on Facebook, he described his critics as “spineless, irresponsible, and unpatriotic” for prioritizing outrage over the realities of the country’s security challenges.
The cleric emphasized that engaging with armed groups to broker peace is not a crime. He argued that those demanding his arrest are motivated by ignorance, bigotry, and an unwillingness to tolerate differing perspectives. Rather than reflect on Nigeria’s worsening security situation, he said, many have chosen to politicize his peace-building efforts.
“ARREST HIM!!! These are the only words some spineless, irresponsible, and unpatriotic imbecilic people can utter,” Sheikh Gumi wrote, highlighting the intensity of the backlash he faces.
He recalled a major intervention he led in January 2021 at Sabon Garin Yadi forest in Giwa Local Government Area, Kaduna State. The cleric noted that he was escorted by the then Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, representing the Inspector-General of Police. The meeting brought together more than 600 armed bandits and their commanders, forming part of a broader peace initiative aimed at persuading criminal elements to surrender their weapons and cease attacks on local communities.
“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.
Sheikh Gumi stressed that the negotiations were conducted transparently, with full knowledge and approval of the authorities. He maintained that his actions were entirely legitimate, aimed solely at fostering dialogue and restoring peace.
