Popular Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has fired back at those demanding his arrest over his comments and involvement in negotiations with bandits.
Gumi, who has long positioned himself as a mediator between government authorities and armed groups, has faced heavy criticism from Nigerians who accuse him of protecting criminals instead of condemning them.
In a statement shared on Facebook on Sunday, the cleric described his critics as people driven by ignorance and bigotry, accusing them of preferring outrage to meaningful solutions.
“ARREST HIM!!! These are the only words some spineless, irresponsible and unpatriotic people can utter,” he wrote, insisting that he has broken no law by engaging with bandits for peace talks.
Gumi recounted a major peace intervention he led in January 2021 in Sabon Garin Yadi forest, Giwa LGA of Kaduna State. He said he was escorted by the then state Commissioner of Police and addressed over 600 armed bandits who agreed to lay down their weapons.
According to him, the negotiation was done openly, with full knowledge of security authorities. He said the bandits’ conditions—basic amenities, protection from arbitrary arrests and assurances of safety—were not met by the government, which caused the peace deal to collapse.
He said instead of asking why the agreements failed, many citizens have turned him into the target of their anger.
“So, what is there to arrest for? For calling them to lay down their arms, or for educating the nation on their side of the story?” he asked
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Gumi argued that free speech remains a constitutional right and warned that criminalising differing opinions only worsens national insecurity.
He urged Nigerians to focus on practical solutions to banditry rather than attacking those who advocate for dialogue.
He ended his message with a prayer for unity, saying bigotry and intolerance are major threats to peace in the country.
