Popular Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has criticised those demanding his arrest over his continued commentary on banditry and national security issues, insisting he has done nothing illegal by engaging with armed groups in search of peace.
For years, Gumi has positioned himself as a mediator between the government and bandits — a role that has earned him both praise and heavy backlash. Many of his critics accuse him of shielding criminals and encouraging negotiation with violent groups instead of supporting military action.
In a statement posted on Facebook on Sunday, the cleric pushed back strongly, labelling his opponents as “spineless, irresponsible and unpatriotic imbecilic people” who prefer outrage to understanding.
“ARREST HIM!!! These are the only words some spineless, irresponsible and unpatriotic imbecilic people can utter,” he wrote, arguing that those targeting him are driven by “bigotry, ignorance and intolerance.”
Gumi insisted that speaking with bandits does not amount to a crime, noting that his previous interventions were undertaken with the full knowledge of security authorities.
He recalled his January 2021 mission to Sabon Garin Yadi forest in Giwa LGA of Kaduna State, where he met more than 600 armed bandits alongside their commanders. According to him, the then Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, representing the Inspector-General of Police, escorted him on the trip.
“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 said.
Gumi said the talks were legitimate, transparent and sanctioned by authorities, but the commitments made by the government were never fulfilled. He noted that the bandits’ requests improved basic services, but assurances of safety and protection from arbitrary arrests were ignored, ultimately derailing the peace efforts.
“The outcome was that over 600 bandits agreed to lay down their arms. They presented conditions to the government… None fulfilled,” he added.
Gumi fires back at the call for his arrest
He questioned why his involvement in dialogue should attract calls for his arrest when his objective, he said, was to de-escalate violence.
“So, what is there to arrest for? For calling them to lay arms or amenities for them, or to educate the nation on their side of the story?” he asked.
Gumi went on to accuse his critics of hypocrisy, warning that criminalising opposing viewpoints undermines free speech.
“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 queried.
He urged Nigerians to abandon emotionally charged narratives and embrace more thoughtful strategies to resolve banditry, arguing that silencing advocates of dialogue does nothing to address the underlying drivers of insecurity.
Gumi ended his statement with a prayer for unity, stressing that intolerance and prejudice pose significant threats to peace.
“May Allah protect our nation from bigotry, stubborn and complete intolerance of contrary views and opinions,” he wrote.
