Gumi to critics: I committed no crime engaging bandits

Urges Nigerians to move past “emotional reactions,” consider practical approaches to ending the crisis

Emeka Agu Jnr

Kaduna based popular Islamic cleric, Sheikh Gumi, has slammed critics calling for his arrest over his continued commentary and mediation efforts regarding Nigeria’s banditry crisis.

Recall that the Islamic cleric has for years positioned himself as an intermediary between the government and bandit groups, a role that has drawn both support and condemnation from the public.

In a statement shared via Facebook on Sunday, the cleric defended his dealings with the bandit groups, describing his opponents as “spineless, irresponsible and unpatriotic imbecilic people” who prioritise outrage over the truth about the nation’s worsening insecurity.

Gumi condemned the rising calls for his arrest, insisting that he has committed no crime by engaging with bandits in an attempt to secure peace.

Gumi insisted that he has committed no crime by engaging with bandits in an attempt to secure peace and condemned the rising calls for his detention.

He argued that the loudest voices demanding his arrest are driven by bigotry, ignorance, and intolerance for differing viewpoints.

He wrote: “ARREST HIM!!! These are the only words some spineless, irresponsible and unpatriotic imbecilic people can utter,” adding that his critics have chosen to politicize his peace efforts rather than reflect on Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.

Gumi recalled a major intervention he led in January 2021 in Sabon Garin Yadi forest, Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State, stating the negotiation was conducted with the full knowledge and approval of the authorities.

He noted that he was escorted by the then Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, who represented the Inspector-General of Police on the mission. The meeting, Gumi said, was part of a broader peace initiative aimed at persuading criminal elements to surrender their weapons.

He recounted the scale of the meeting: “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.”

Gumi insisted that the negotiation was transparent and legitimate, detailing the failed outcome: “The purpose of the meeting was an effort to de-escalate violence by having bandits surrender their weapons and embrace peace. The outcome was that over 600 bandits agreed to lay down their arms. They presented conditions to the government… None fulfilled.”

He expressed frustration that instead of interrogating why the authorities failed to implement the agreed conditions—provision of basic amenities, protection from arbitrary arrests, and assurances of safety—some Nigerians prefer to target him personally.

Gumi questioned the legal basis for the calls for his arrest, given that his mediation efforts were undertaken in the national interest.

“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 asked.

He further ridiculed what he described as the hypocrisy of his detractors, asserting that free speech remains a constitutional right and that differing opinions must not be criminalized. He queried: “Is free speech no longer part of our constitutional right? Is their call for arrest not also prejudiced and an incitement to more violence?”

The cleric urged Nigerians to move past “emotional reactions” and consider practical approaches to ending the crisis, warning that hate-driven narratives only worsen insecurity.

He concluded that silencing voices that advocate dialogue does nothing to address the deep-rooted socioeconomic and security failures fueling insurgency and banditry.

Gumi concluded with a prayer for national unity, describing bigotry and intolerance as major threats to peace.

“May Allah protect our nation from bigotry, stubborn and complete intolerance of contrary views and opinions,” he wrote.