Islamic cleric Sheik (Dr.) Ahmad Abubakar Mahmoud Gumi has distanced himself from what he described as manipulated statements and misleading media content linking him to support for banditry in Nigeria.
In a statement issued in Kaduna on Friday, Gumi accused certain ethnic-interest groups, prejudiced individuals, and online content creators of misrepresenting his comments in media interviews, public lectures, and discussions on insecurity in the country.
He said sensational headlines and edited content were being used to distort his position on banditry for the sake of attracting online traffic and public attention.
“I’ve noticed that I am being misquoted in some of my media interviews, public lectures, and discourse on how to address banditry in Nigeria,” he said.
“This is being done by certain ethnic-interest groups, individuals driven by prejudice, and some sectional internet content creators who use sensational and outrageous headlines to attract viewership at the expense of human suffering and sacrifice.”
Gumi stated that he has never supported or justified criminal activities by armed groups and warned against attributing such positions to him.
“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 said.
The cleric described himself as a loyal citizen committed to Nigeria’s unity and progress.
“I am a loyal citizen of my beloved country, a nation whose potential I believe is unmatched anywhere in the world,” he added.
Gumi urged the public, media organisations, and government authorities to disregard what he termed fake and doctored materials circulating online in his name.
“I therefore urge the general public, the media, and the Nigerian state to disregard such fake, manipulated, and doctored materials currently in circulation,” he said.
“Furthermore, anyone who continues, from the date of this release, to circulate falsehoods against me shall be liable to legal action.”
He also expressed hope for lasting peace in Nigeria and sympathy for victims affected by insecurity across the country.
“I sincerely hope that our great nation will heal, and that all victims affected by this violence will find comfort in the collective determination of the nation and the international community to achieve a lasting solution to the insecurity fueled over time by ignorance, poverty, and widespread social injustice,” he stated.
