Prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has denied allegations linking him to statements supporting banditry, insisting that videos and messages circulating online were manipulated and taken out of context.
In a statement shared on his verified Facebook page, Gumi said some of his past comments on insecurity in Nigeria were being deliberately twisted by individuals and groups he described as biased and driven by ethnic interests.
According to the cleric, certain online content creators have continued to use “sensational and outrageous headlines” to attract attention and spread misinformation.
Rejecting claims that he ever supported criminal activities, Gumi stated that any material portraying him as defending or encouraging banditry did not originate from him.
“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.
The cleric described the circulating materials as “fake, manipulated, and doctored,” urging the public, media organisations, and government authorities to disregard them.
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He also warned that individuals spreading such claims could face legal consequences.
Gumi further expressed hope for national healing and lasting peace, while sympathising with victims of violence across the country.
“I sincerely hope that our great nation will heal, and that all victims affected by this violence will find comfort in the collective determination of the nation and the international community to achieve a lasting solution to the insecurity fueled over time by ignorance, poverty, and widespread social injustice,” he added.
