Islamic cleric, Ahmad Abubakar Mahmoud Gumi, has rejected allegations linking him to comments supporting banditry in Nigeria, insisting that videos and statements circulating online were altered and falsely presented.
In a statement shared on his verified Facebook page, Gumi accused certain individuals and groups of deliberately twisting his comments on insecurity and banditry to mislead the public. He claimed that some online content creators were using sensational headlines and edited materials to attract attention and increase online traffic.
The cleric stated that he has never defended or encouraged banditry in any form. According to him, any video, message or written statement suggesting that he supports criminal activities does not reflect his views.
Gumi described himself as a patriotic Nigerian committed to peace and national unity. He urged the public, media organisations and government authorities to ignore what he called fake and manipulated content being circulated against him.
He also warned that anyone who continues to spread false information about him after his clarification could face legal action.
While addressing the country’s insecurity challenges, Gumi expressed sympathy for victims of violence across Nigeria and called for lasting solutions to the crisis. He added that poverty, ignorance and social injustice had contributed to insecurity in many parts of the country.
