Videos, Statements of Me Supporting Bandits Were Doctored — Cleric Gumi

Prominent Islamic cleric, Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, has denied allegations linking him to statements allegedly supporting banditry in Nigeria, describing the claims as false, manipulated, and malicious.

In a statement posted on his verified Facebook page on Saturday, Gumi said some of his past media interviews on insecurity were being deliberately misrepresented by what he called “ethnic-interest groups, individuals driven by prejudice, and sectional internet content creators.”

He alleged that such individuals were using sensational headlines to attract attention and online traffic “at the expense of human suffering and sacrifice.”

Gumi firmly stated that he has never supported or justified banditry in any form.

“I hereby state unequivocally that any video clip, written statement, or message attributed to me… suggesting support for, justification of, protection of, or advocacy for banditry in Nigeria or anywhere else does not emanate from me,” he said.

Describing himself as a loyal Nigerian citizen, he urged the public and relevant authorities to disregard what he called fake and manipulated materials circulating against him.

“I, therefore, urge the general public, the media, and the Nigerian state to disregard such fake, manipulated, and doctored materials currently in circulation,” he stated.

He also warned that individuals continuing to spread falsehoods about him from the date of the statement would face legal action.

Gumi expressed hope for national healing and lasting peace, while sympathising with victims of violence across the country, adding that insecurity in Nigeria is driven by “ignorance, poverty, and widespread social injustice.”