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Gumi Speaks On Call To Arrest Him Over His Statements On Banditry

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Popular Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has fired back at critics calling for his arrest over his long-standing engagement with bandits, describing them as “spineless, irresponsible and unpatriotic imbecilic people.”

It was reports that Gumi, who shared a statement on Facebook on Sunday, has for years positioned himself as a mediator between the government and armed bandit groups. This role has drawn both praise and condemnation from Nigerians.

His critics accuse him of shielding terrorists by urging government dialogue rather than a military crackdown.

The cleric insisted he has broken no law and said the loudest voices demanding his arrest are motivated by bigotry and ignorance.

He wrote, “ARREST HIM!!! These are the only words some spineless, irresponsible and unpatriotic imbecilic people can utter.”

According to him, these individuals prefer outrage to reasoned debate, choosing to politicise his peace initiatives rather than address Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.

Gumi recalled one of his major interventions in January 2021 in the Sabon Garin Yadi forest, Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

He said the mission was conducted with the full knowledge and approval of security agencies.

“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,” he said.

He added that the negotiation was legitimate, transparent and aimed at de-escalating violence.

The cleric said the agreement collapsed after government authorities failed to honour the conditions presented by the armed groups, including access to basic amenities, assurances of safety and protection from arbitrary arrests.

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He argued that instead of holding officials accountable for the breakdown of the peace process, some Nigerians have targeted him unfairly.

Gumi said, “The outcome was that over 600 bandits agreed to lay down their arms. They presented conditions… None fulfilled.”

He questioned why efforts aimed at persuading bandits to surrender their weapons should provoke the kind of public anger now directed at him.

He asked, “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 further argued that the calls for his arrest amount to intolerance and disregard for free expression.

Gumi stated, “Is free speech no longer part of our constitutional right? Is their call for arrest not also prejudiced and an incitement to more violence?”

Gumi urged Nigerians to rise above emotional reactions and support practical, long-term solutions to insecurity.

He warned that silencing voices advocating dialogue will not address the deep-rooted socioeconomic and security failures driving banditry across the country.

The cleric concluded with a prayer for unity, saying, “May Allah protect our nation from bigotry, stubborn and complete intolerance of contrary views and opinions.”

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Public officers are stealing Nigeria’s money every minute – EFCC boss

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The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, says public officers steal funds every minute.

Olukoyede spoke in Abuja on Thursday at the 80th birthday celebration of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi.

He stated that the anti-graft agency receives over 20,000 corruption petitions every year, describing the scale of the theft detailed in many cases as shocking.

“I receive over 20,000 petitions in a year in respect to public corruption, all terrible. What is going on? Like every minute, public officers take money, and if you go through some of our case files you will weep.

“The way people take national resources and Nigerians are victims of these fraudulent activities. And we must come together for once in our lifetime and say no to the activities of some of our leaders,” Olukoyede said.

The EFCC boss noted that some public officers assume office with less than ₦100,000 in their accounts, but within three years, the agency traces millions of dollars to them.

He added that some individuals acquire hundreds of houses while in office, warning that corruption is crippling the nation.

Olukoyede stressed that public officers must be held accountable for their time in office, emphasizing that transparency must remain the guiding standard in public service.

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VIDEO: Police identify officer in viral video saying Obi can never be President

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The Lagos State Police Command has arrested an officer who appeared in a viral video making inappropriate remarks about Peter Obi and Igbo people while travelling on public transport.

The officer who has been identified as INSP. Osumah Frank, was filmed saying Obi or any Igbo person can never become President of Nigeria.

In a statement released today September 25, the command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola said the command has commenced appropriate disciplinary action against the officer in line with established regulations of the Nigeria Police Force.

Abimbola stated that the statements made by the officer were made in his personal capacity and do not represent the position, views or official disposition of the Lagos State Police Command or the Nigeria Police Force.

She added that the State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, has reiterated the position of the command that all its personnel are expected to maintain professionalism, civility, discipline and respect for members of the public at all times. She further reaffirmed that wearing the Police uniform comes with a responsibility to uphold the dignity and integrity of the Force, and that the Command will not condone any conduct capable of bringing the Force into disrepute or undermining public confidence in the Police.

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Court rejects suit seeking fresh police investigation into late singer Mohbad’s death

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit seeking to compel the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a fresh investigation into the death of Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.

Justice James Omotosho dismissed the case filed by the Registered Trustees of Break the Silence Foundation in a judgment delivered on Thursday, ruling that the foundation lacked the legal capacity to institute the suit.

The judge also described the application as speculative and lacking sufficient merit, noting that the foundation failed to produce the original police investigation report to support its claim that the earlier investigation was inadequate.

Justice Omotosho further cautioned lawyers handling ongoing cases against discussing matters before the court during media interviews or on social media, describing such conduct as professional misconduct.

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