“Videos, statements of me supporting bandits were doctored” – Sheikh Gumi cries out

Prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has denied allegations linking him to statements supporting banditry, insisting that videos and messages being circulated about him were doctored and misrepresented.

In a statement posted on his verified Facebook page, Gumi said some of his past interviews on insecurity in Nigeria were being deliberately twisted by individuals and groups he described as biased.

He alleged that ethnic-interest groups and certain online content creators were using “sensational and outrageous headlines” to attract attention.

Denial of Supporting Bandits

The cleric rejected any suggestion that he has ever supported or justified criminal activities.

He said: “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.”

“Content Fake and Doctored” – Gumi Says

Gumi urged the public, media, and authorities to ignore what he described as fake and manipulated content currently circulating online.

He also warned that continued spread of such claims could attract legal consequences.

He stated:  “I, therefore, urge the general public, the media, and the Nigerian state to disregard such fake, manipulated, and doctored materials currently in circulation.”

Call for Peace and Unity

The cleric expressed hope for peace and unity in the country, while also sympathising with victims of violence across Nigeria.

He added: “I sincerely hope that our great nation will heal, and that all victims affected by this violence will find comfort in the collective determination of the nation and the international community to achieve a lasting solution to the insecurity fueled over time by ignorance, poverty, and widespread social injustice.”