Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has dismissed reports linking him to support for bandit groups, insisting that such claims are false, distorted, and deliberately circulated to mislead the public.
In a statement issued in Kaduna on Saturday, Gumi said various video clips, written posts, and audio materials attributed to him have been manipulated or taken out of context by individuals and online platforms.
“I hereby state unequivocally that any video clip, written statement, or message attributed to me, whether directly or by innuendo suggesting support for, justification of, protection of, or advocacy for banditry in Nigeria or anywhere else does not emanate from me,” he said.
He added that the circulation of such materials amounts to a deliberate attempt to misrepresent his position on insecurity in the country.
Gumi also warned that he may take legal action against individuals or groups responsible for what he described as persistent false publications.
He said, “Some of my media interviews, public lectures and comments on insecurity have been deliberately misrepresented by certain internet content creators seeking sensational headlines and online traffic.”
The cleric urged members of the public, media organisations, and relevant authorities to disregard content being shared online that suggests he supports criminal activity.
Over time, Gumi has faced public criticism and calls for his arrest following comments interpreted by some observers as sympathetic to armed groups, particularly in relation to ransom payments in kidnapping cases.
Responding to ongoing criticism, he maintained that his views have been misunderstood and reframed to suit particular narratives.
“I’m not an advocate for bandits,” he reiterated, while stressing that his comments on insecurity are aimed at encouraging dialogue and long-term solutions to violence in parts of the country.
Sheikh Ahmad Gumi said he remains committed to Nigeria’s stability, noting that insecurity is driven by deeper social and economic challenges that require sustained attention rather than misrepresentation of public commentary.
