Gumi denies supporting banditry, says videos circulating online are doctored

Islamic scholar, Ahmad Abubakar Mahmoud Gumi, has distanced himself from claims linking him to support for banditry, declaring that statements or videos portraying him as sympathetic to criminal groups are false and manipulated.

In a press statement issued on Saturday in Kaduna, Gumi said he had been repeatedly misquoted in media interviews, lectures, and public discussions on insecurity and banditry in Nigeria.

“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 accused “certain ethnic-interest groups, individuals driven by prejudice, and some sectional internet content creators” of twisting his comments and using sensational headlines to attract public attention.

Gumi urged the public, media organisations, and government authorities to disregard what he described as “fake, manipulated, and doctored materials” circulating online. He also warned that individuals continuing to spread false claims against him risk legal action.

“I am a loyal citizen of my beloved country, a nation whose potential I believe is unmatched anywhere in the world,” he stated.

Expressing sympathy for victims of insecurity across the country, Gumi said he hoped Nigeria would overcome its security challenges through collective efforts aimed at addressing “ignorance, poverty, and widespread social injustice.”

Background

Gumi has in recent years been involved in public conversations around insecurity in northern Nigeria, particularly banditry and kidnapping. Some of his past engagements and comments on dialogue with armed groups have generated controversy and mixed public reactions, leading to recurring debates over his position on the crisis.