Popular Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has fired back at critics calling for his arrest over his long-standing engagement with bandits, describing them as “spineless, irresponsible and unpatriotic imbecilic people.”
Naijaonpoint reports that Gumi, who shared a statement on Facebook on Sunday, has for years positioned himself as a mediator between the government and armed bandit groups. This role has drawn both praise and condemnation from Nigerians.
His critics accuse him of shielding terrorists by urging government dialogue rather than a military crackdown.
The cleric insisted he has broken no law and said the loudest voices demanding his arrest are motivated by bigotry and ignorance.
He wrote, “ARREST HIM!!! These are the only words some spineless, irresponsible and unpatriotic imbecilic people can utter.”
According to him, these individuals prefer outrage to reasoned debate, choosing to politicise his peace initiatives rather than address Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
Gumi recalled one of his major interventions in January 2021 in the Sabon Garin Yadi forest, Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
He said the mission was conducted with the full knowledge and approval of security agencies.
“I was at Sabon Garin Yadi forest, accompanied by the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police… This meeting was part of a peace initiative where we preached to over 600 bandits and their commanders, who agreed to lay down their arms in exchange for security and basic amenities,” he said.
He added that the negotiation was legitimate, transparent and aimed at de-escalating violence.
The cleric said the agreement collapsed after government authorities failed to honour the conditions presented by the armed groups, including access to basic amenities, assurances of safety and protection from arbitrary arrests.
He argued that instead of holding officials accountable for the breakdown of the peace process, some Nigerians have targeted him unfairly.
Gumi said, “The outcome was that over 600 bandits agreed to lay down their arms. They presented conditions… None fulfilled.”
He questioned why efforts aimed at persuading bandits to surrender their weapons should provoke the kind of public anger now directed at him.
He asked, “So, what is there to arrest for? For calling them to lay arms or amenities for them, or to educate the nation on their side of the story?”
He further argued that the calls for his arrest amount to intolerance and disregard for free expression.
Gumi stated, “Is free speech no longer part of our constitutional right? Is their call for arrest not also prejudiced and an incitement to more violence?”
Gumi urged Nigerians to rise above emotional reactions and support practical, long-term solutions to insecurity.
He warned that silencing voices advocating dialogue will not address the deep-rooted socioeconomic and security failures driving banditry across the country.
The cleric concluded with a prayer for unity, saying, “May Allah protect our nation from bigotry, stubborn and complete intolerance of contrary views and opinions.”
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