Sheikh Gumi

By Uzair Adam

Prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has alleged that Islamophobia is influencing political developments in Nigeria’s South-West, following criticism surrounding his recent visit to Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Gumi made the allegation amid the controversy over the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State, where reports had claimed that the kidnappers demanded the implementation of Shari’ah law as part of the conditions for the release of the victims.

The claim was strongly rejected by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), which described it as false and aimed at tarnishing the image of Islam.

The group argued that enemies of Islam deliberately introduced the allegation into negotiations to create a negative narrative.

The position was later supported by Mrs. Rachael Alamu, the abducted principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

In a video message, Alamu denied reports that the kidnappers requested the establishment of Shari’ah law in exchange for the release of the pupils.

Reacting in a post on his verified Facebook page, Gumi said he attended the event in Ibadan as a representative of the Coalition of Northern Muslim Ulama and not at the invitation of any individual or Muslim group from the South-West.

“I quite understand now how Islamophobia is shaping politics in the South-West and why I was unnecessarily dragged into their dirty local politics,” he wrote.

The cleric explained that his visit was purely in his capacity as a representative of the coalition and questioned efforts to politicise his presence in the state.

“I was in Ibadan not by the invitation of any South-West Muslim individual or group but as a representative of the Coalition of Northern Muslim Ulama,” he stated.

Gumi also questioned why his visit had generated controversy, asking whether anyone could prevent him from travelling to any part of Nigeria.

“Can anybody stop me from going anywhere in Nigeria? It’s strange how some people think,” he said.

He further alleged that the reactions to his visit were part of a broader effort by both local and foreign interests to deepen divisions within the country.

“I believe the whole saga is tele-guided by both foreign and local interests to promote a narrative and polarise the country,” Gumi added.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Popular Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, has defended the practice of Shariah law in Nigeria.

He said it is the right of Muslims to be governed by their religious principles, similar to how the United States safeguards Christian interests.

Gumi made the remarks in response to reports that some members of the U.S. Congress submitted a request to President Donald Trump, urging the abolition of Shariah and blasphemy laws in Nigeria.

In a post shared on his verified social media page, the cleric maintained that Muslims have the freedom to follow their religious injunctions. “Shariah Law is the Muslims’ prerogative just as the US found it only necessary to protect the Christians,” he said.

He also stated that Muslims face threats which he described as hidden and externally driven. “At the same time, Muslims are more victims of this occult terror imported into the country by hidden forces they very well know,” Gumi stated.

In a separate post, he criticised what he called inconsistency in global discussions on religion and governance. “It’s ok for US evangelical Christians administration for Israel to live by biblical stories yet Haram for Muslims to live by the Quranic injunctions,” he wrote.

Shariah law operates alongside Nigeria’s conventional legal system in several northern states, especially in matters related to personal and family issues among Muslims.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Abubakar Gumi has filed a criminal complaint at the Kaduna State Chief Magistrate Court against two Facebook users for alleged defamation and death threats.

The case, filed on December 24, 2025, targets individuals identified as George Udom and Bello Isiaka. It stems from a Facebook post dated December 23, which falsely attributed a violent statement to Gumi, threatening the family of Defence Minister Christopher Musa if military action against bandits continued.

Through his lawyer, Suleiman Danlami Lere, Esq., Gumi denied ever making the statement, saying the post was fabricated to frame him as a terrorist sponsor and endanger his safety.

The complaint cites sections of the Kaduna State Penal Code 2017, which carry serious penalties for criminal defamation, incitement, and threats.

Gumi’s legal team stated the false portrayal maligns his reputation as a peace advocate and could make him a target.

They issued a stern warning to social media users: “The era of hiding behind a smartphone to destroy the reputation of others is over. The law will find you.”

The case serves as a legal notice against online defamation and false publication.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Popular Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has raised concerns that bandits are now abducting and killing Nigerians, believing they are serving God.

In a Facebook post on Sunday, Gumi reacted to the recent seizure of Mines Resistant Armour personnel (MRAPs) by bandits, led by notorious kingpin Bello Turji. 

Gumi stated that the bandits were initially fighting an “ethnic war that could easily be resolved” but warned against intensifying the kinetic approach, which he believes has led to their radicalization.

“I warned if the kinetic approach is intensified they will turn into ideologically motivated guerrilla warfare. Nobody listened,” he said. 

The cleric noted that the bandits now commit the same crimes, but with a twisted belief that they are serving God. “The picture is gloomy,” Gumi concluded. His warning comes as a video from 2023 resurfaced, showing bandits jubilating after setting the seized MRAPs on fire.