By Muhammad Abu l May 22, 2026
A Nigerian activist identified as Steven has publicly accused controversial Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi of allegedly supporting armed groups responsible for violent attacks, kidnappings, and killings across Nigeria, claiming that such actions violate the Nigerian Constitution and anti-terrorism laws.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Thursday, Steven alleged that Sheikh Gumi has repeatedly defended armed Fulani bandits and terrorists who have carried out deadly attacks in several parts of the country, including northern, eastern, and western Nigeria.
According to Steven, communities across Nigeria have suffered years of violence allegedly linked to armed groups accused of mass killings, kidnappings for ransom, sexual violence, and attacks on predominantly Christian villages and rural communities.
“Sheikh Gumi has been found in this act of shielding, protecting, and defending Fulani terrorists who have been killing Nigerians, raping women and children, kidnapping innocent citizens, and demanding ransom from families,” Steven said.
The activist further claimed that the cleric had made public comments on television and other media platforms which, in his view, amounted to defending or justifying the activities of armed groups operating across Nigeria.
Steven stated that he possesses evidence of public statements made by Gumi regarding negotiations with bandits and his criticism of military operations against them.
Over the years, Sheikh Gumi has attracted controversy for advocating dialogue and amnesty for armed bandits operating mainly in northwestern Nigeria. Critics have accused him of sympathizing with criminal groups, while supporters argue that he has acted as a mediator attempting to reduce violence and secure peace.
Gumi has consistently denied supporting terrorism or criminality, insisting that his engagements with armed groups were aimed at encouraging peace negotiations and ending insecurity in the region.
In his statement, Steven also accused the Nigerian government of remaining silent despite what he described as repeated public defenses of terrorists by the cleric.
“The silence of the Nigerian government raises serious concerns. It appears that some people within the system may be protecting those sponsoring terrorism in Nigeria,” he alleged.
Steven called on the international community, including the United States government, the United Nations, and Israeli authorities, to investigate the situation and pressure Nigerian authorities to take action.
“I am calling on the international community, President Donald J. Trump, the United Nations, and world leaders to look into this matter seriously,” he said.
The activist maintained that anyone found supporting terrorism, encouraging violence, or defending armed groups responsible for attacks against civilians should face investigation and prosecution under Nigerian law.
Nigeria has battled worsening insecurity for more than a decade, with armed banditry, terrorism, kidnappings, and communal violence affecting millions of people across several regions of the country. Human rights organizations and security analysts have repeatedly urged the government to strengthen accountability and improve protection for vulnerable communities.
As of the time of filing this report, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi had not issued any fresh response to Steven’s allegations.