By Muhammad Mamman
Prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has threatened to sue a legal practitioner who accused him of defending terrorists in Nigeria.
Gumi, known for his outspoken views on national security and peace negotiations, described the lawyer’s allegation as “false, malicious, and defamatory,” insisting that his efforts have always been geared towards promoting peace and ending insecurity in the North.
In a statement issued through his media aide on Thursday, the cleric said he has instructed his legal team to commence legal proceedings against the lawyer if a public apology is not tendered within seven days.
“Sheikh Gumi has never defended any act of terrorism or any terrorist group. His consistent advocacy for dialogue and rehabilitation of repentant bandits has been grossly misrepresented by those seeking cheap publicity,” the statement read.
The cleric further warned that he would not tolerate attempts to tarnish his reputation or undermine his peace advocacy, adding that he remains committed to supporting lawful solutions to Nigeria’s security challenges.
The controversy has stirred fresh debate over the role of dialogue in addressing insurgency and banditry, with public opinion sharply divided on Gumi’s long-standing position.
