Prominent Islamic scholar Ahmad Abubakar Mahmoud Gumi has dismissed allegations suggesting that he supports or justifies banditry in Nigeria, describing the claims as false and deliberately distorted.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Kaduna, the cleric said some of his past interviews, lectures and public comments on insecurity had been manipulated and taken out of context by individuals and groups pursuing sensational narratives.
According to him, certain online content creators and what he described as sectional interests have continued to circulate misleading interpretations of his remarks in a bid to portray him as sympathetic to criminal activities.
Gumi stated that no authentic video, written statement or message from him has ever promoted banditry or encouraged violence in any form.
He stressed that he remains committed to Nigeria’s unity, peace and development, adding that the country has the potential to become one of the world’s leading nations if its challenges are properly addressed.
The cleric urged members of the public, media organisations and security agencies to ignore what he called fake and doctored materials being circulated in his name across various platforms.
He also warned that individuals who continue spreading false claims against him after the release of the statement could face legal consequences.
Gumi further expressed optimism that Nigeria would eventually overcome its security crisis, while offering prayers for victims of violence across the country.
He added that achieving lasting peace would require collective national effort as well as sustained attention to issues such as poverty, ignorance and social injustice, which he identified as factors contributing to insecurity.
