The Nigerian federal government has summoned Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi for questioning over his comments regarding the activities of bandits in the country. Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and Orientation, stated this while addressing journalists in Abuja.
Gumi has gained prominence in recent years for his comments and interactions with bandits. He was pictured with some bandits and offered to negotiate with those who abducted students from schools in Kaduna state. Recently, 137 students were abducted by bandits in Chikun LGA of Kaduna but later released, which the governor announced.
The minister said the government did not pay ransom to secure the students’ release and has a zero-tolerance policy towards negotiating with bandits. Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi had accused the government of framing its enemies by labeling them as terrorism financiers after identities of 15 entities were released for alleged terrorism financing.
Some groups have called for Gumi’s arrest over his alleged ties with terrorist groups. The minister said security agencies will take action if they find Gumi’s statements reckless, as no one is above the law. He confirmed that Gumi has already been questioned by security agencies previously over his remarks related to national security.