Prominent northern Islamic cleric, Ahmad Mahmoud Gumi, has denied allegations linking him to statements and video clips purportedly supporting or justifying banditry in Nigeria, insisting that such materials were manipulated and falsely attributed to him.
In a statement shared on his Facebook page, Gumi said he had observed repeated instances where his comments during media interviews, public lectures, and engagements on insecurity issues were distorted and taken out of context.
The cleric accused certain ethnic-interest groups, biased individuals, and sectional online content creators of deliberately twisting his remarks and using sensational headlines to attract attention despite the country’s security challenges.
“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 stated.
Gumi reaffirmed his loyalty to Nigeria, describing the country as a nation blessed with enormous potential.
He urged the public, media organisations, and security agencies to ignore what he described as false narratives circulating online and in other platforms.
The cleric also warned that anyone who continues to spread false information against him after his clarification would face legal action.
He further prayed for lasting peace in the country, expressing sympathy for victims of violence while calling for collective efforts to address insecurity, poverty, ignorance, and social injustice.
