Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheik Ahmad Gumi, has voiced disagreement with the Federal Government’s recent release of a list linking individuals and entities to terrorism financing in Nigeria.
GOVIMA reported that the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit disclosed the identities of 15 entities, including nine individuals and six Bureau De Change operators and firms allegedly involved in terrorism financing.
Among those named was Gumi’s associate and Kaduna-based publisher, Tukur Mamu, who is currently facing trial for allegedly aiding terrorists responsible for the Abuja-Kaduna train attack in March 2022.
Gumi took to Twitter spaces organized by Daily Trust to express his objections, stating that security agencies lacked the authority to label individuals as terrorist financiers.
He argued that Nigerians wouldn’t fund terrorism, suggesting instead that terrorists finance their activities through ransom payments collected from kidnapped victims’ families.
The cleric emphasized the need for due process, urging that Mamu should face punishment if found guilty by both the court of law and public opinion.
Regarding Mamu’s case, Gumi advocated for a fair trial, condemning what he termed as a “media trial.” He emphasized the importance of allowing the court to determine guilt or innocence rather than prejudging individuals in the media.
Gumi had previously expressed his intention to engage in dialogue with bandits responsible for the abduction of 287 schoolchildren from Kuriga Government Secondary and LEA Primary Schools in Kaduna State.
He called on President Bola Tinubu to grant him the opportunity to negotiate, emphasizing the importance of dialogue in securing the release of the abducted children.
The abduction incident occurred when bandits invaded the Kuriga area of the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, highlighting the ongoing security challenges facing the region.
