Amanze Chinonye
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has again called on President Bola Tinubu to order the immediate arrest and prosecution of Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, accusing him of openly defending terrorists responsible for mass killings in the North West.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday and endorsed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the rights group faulted what it described as the Federal Government’s “selective enforcement” of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism laws.
HURIWA alleged that while Gumi has repeatedly offered “moral, intellectual and propaganda support” to armed Fulani groups, the government has “looked the other way.”
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAccording to the association, it was “morally unacceptable” that the government has kept the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, in detention for a decade over self-determination demands, yet has failed to act against Gumi, who “continues to canvass amnesty for mass murderers and terrorists.”
Invoking Nigeria’s Terrorism Act
HURIWA reminded President Tinubu that Nigeria’s Terrorism (Prevention) Act – first enacted in 2011 and amended in 2013 and 2022 prescribes severe penalties, including capital punishment, for certain terrorism-related offences.
The group highlighted the detailed definition of terrorism under Section 1(3) of the 2022 amendment, noting that the law criminalises acts that intimidate populations, destabilise government structures or support violent extremist ideologies.
While acknowledging the Act’s carve-out protecting peaceful protests, HURIWA insisted that Gumi’s persistent public advocacy for armed groups cannot be classified as lawful expression.
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Criticism of Northern Protests
The organisation also condemned what it described as “state-sponsored protests” in parts of the North against U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to launch targeted strikes on terrorist enclaves in Nigeria.
HURIWA argued that the protests show that “top northern politicians are sponsors of terrorists,” insisting that security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), must investigate those financing such demonstrations.
The group questioned why Trump’s remarks were being mischaracterised as a threat against Nigeria itself.
“President Trump only threatened to bomb terrorists in their hideouts. How are some Nigerians interpreting that to mean he is threatening to bomb Nigeria? This distortion raises serious concerns about the influence of terror sponsors on official narratives,” the statement read.
Fresh Backlash Over Gumi’s Comments
HURIWA’s renewed call follows remarks Gumi made during an interview on Trust TV, where he defended bandits operating in the North West, claiming they were driven by vengeance rather than unprovoked violence.
While describing the killings as “wrong and obnoxious,” the cleric argued that bandit groups were reacting to grievances and historical injustices. He urged the Tinubu administration to unify and rehabilitate the armed groups, insisting they were “ready for peace.”
Gumi further compared bandits to IPOB members, accusing the latter of rejecting dialogue and pursuing secession, a position that has drawn fresh public outrage.
Backing From Clergy
HURIWA also aligned with the position of Prophet Isa El-Buba of the El-Buba Outreach Ministries, who recently asserted that arresting Gumi would significantly help Nigeria dismantle terrorist networks.
El-Buba claimed that the cleric’s knowledge of, and access to, armed groups makes him “central” to resolving the country’s security crisis.
He further accused the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) of being complicit in northern insecurity, alleging that the group “controls 80% of what is going on.”
Accusations of Double Standards
HURIWA maintained that Gumi’s continued freedom “despite openly promoting the ideology of terrorists” amounts to discriminatory justice, especially when contrasted with the prolonged detention of Nnamdi Kanu.
The group urged the Federal Government to enforce the terrorism laws without bias, warning that failure to act strengthens impunity and undermines national security.
The government has yet to respond to the latest call.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
