Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, asserted on Monday that Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, is subject to Nigerian laws and could be summoned for questioning by security agencies as needed.
Idris made this statement following the Federal Executive Council meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu. He addressed inquiries about Gumi’s prominent role in advising the government on negotiations with bandits.
Ahmad Gumi has gained attention for his outspoken comments regarding bandit activities in Nigeria. Notably, he has previously engaged in negotiations between the government and bandits, with photographic evidence from these discussions.
Amid ongoing efforts to locate and rescue abducted students from Government Secondary and LEA Primary schools in Kuriga, Chikun LGA, Kaduna, Gumi reportedly expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with the bandits responsible for the attack on March 7, which resulted in the abduction of 137 students and a teacher.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna recently announced the release of the abducted school children on Sunday. Minister Idris confirmed that the federal government did not pay ransom for their release, reaffirming a zero-tolerance policy toward negotiating with bandits.
Gumi has also accused the federal government of unfairly implicating individuals as terrorism financiers in response to the release of identities by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) for alleged terrorism ties.
In light of these developments, various groups have called for Gumi’s arrest over alleged connections with terrorist organizations. Responding to these concerns on Monday, Minister Idris emphasized the accountability of all individuals under the law.
He stated, “the security agencies will do their work if they feel that the statements made by Gumi are ‘reckless’. The government will stop at nothing to gather any information necessary to address our challenges. The security agencies are vigilant.”
Addressing Gumi directly, Idris asserted, “Sheik Gumi and any other individual are not above the law. If his suggestions are constructive, they will be considered. However, if his statements are deemed reckless, he will face consequences.”
He concluded, “When you make remarks, especially those concerning our national security, it is the responsibility of our security apparatus to investigate further. No one is above the law, and I am aware that Gumi has previously cooperated with security agencies for questioning.”
