- Our military has been infiltrated by so-called ‘repentant terrorists’, and we need help in dealing with terrorists — Chief Nkereuwem Udofia Akpan
Tension flared after Malcolm Omirhobo, a human rights lawyer, accused Sheikh Ahmad Gumi of defending terrorists.
Omirhobo urged security agencies and parliamentary committees to investigate Gumi’s statements and visits; accusing Gumi of consistently justifying bandits and emboldening criminal groups in the North.
Omirhobo warned that those statements could violate the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Quoting the Constitution, he argued such acts could amount to treason in extreme cases.
He asked the DSS, police, NSA office, and the National Assembly to act.
Public criticism of Gumi increased after his calls for dialogue with alleged criminals.
Some Nigerians saw his visits to bandit camps as dangerously sympathetic to terrorists.
Others argued his negotiation efforts aimed to reduce violence, not support criminals.
In response, Gumi issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding a retraction and apology.
He threatened to sue Omirhobo for defamation and for stoking religious tensions.
Omirhobo refused to retract, calling his commentary constitutionally protected and fact-based.
He clarified he never labelled Gumi a terrorist, only asked for a lawful investigation, while insisting civic duty compelled him to call for transparency and accountability.
The clash reignited debate over Gumi’s role in Nigeria’s security and peace efforts.
Social media erupted with sharply divided views and heated online exchanges.
Some demanded Gumi’s arrest, accusing him of shielding terrorists through sympathy.
Others defended his calls for negotiation as misunderstood peacemaking efforts.
As of Friday, neither the DSS nor the Nigeria Police had issued official statements.
Meanwhile, constitutional lawyer Chief Nkereuwem Udofia Akpan warned that foreign intervention may come.
He accused some Muslim leaders of seeming to support or excuse continuing massacres, while urging acceptance of US help to eliminate ISWAP and Boko Haram.
Akpan claimed Western intervention was justified to stop the alleged genocide against Christians.
He warned that any opposition to foreign help risked revealing sympathies for terrorists.
“Now, since we agree that these terrorists are killing both Christians and Muslims it’s all the more reason we all should support the US government to eliminate them. Anyone who is losing his mind about the imminent arrival of US troops is clearly a terrorist sympathiser,” he said.
These contrasting voices show Nigeria’s security debate remains bitterly unresolved and urgent.
