Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi has denied allegations linking him to support for banditry, describing several video clips and statements circulating online as manipulated and misleading.
In a statement issued in Kaduna on Saturday, Gumi said comments attributed to him in connection with banditry and insecurity did not originate from him, insisting that his views had been distorted by some online content creators.
The cleric stated that some of his media interviews, lectures and public comments on insecurity in the country had been deliberately taken out of context and edited to create false impressions.
“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.
Gumi accused certain individuals and groups of twisting his remarks to advance ethnic and sectional interests, warning that such actions were capable of worsening tensions in the country.
He reaffirmed his loyalty and commitment to the unity of Nigeria, urging members of the public, media organisations and security agencies to disregard what he described as fake and doctored materials being circulated in his name.
The cleric also warned that anyone who continues to spread false claims against him after his latest clarification would face legal action.
According to him, misinformation and deliberate misrepresentation of public comments have contributed to misunderstanding his position on efforts to address insecurity in parts of the country.
Gumi maintained that he had consistently advocated peaceful solutions to the nation’s security challenges and denied ever supporting criminal activities or violent groups.
He called on Nigerians to work collectively toward addressing insecurity, poverty, ignorance and social injustice, which he described as some of the root causes of unrest in the country.
The cleric further expressed sympathy for victims of violence across Nigeria and prayed for peace and stability nationwide.
