A Kaduna-based businessman, Nasir Musa Idris, has accused Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi of taking custody of his Moroccan wife, Khadija Diab, after he took her to the cleric’s residence for counselling.
Idris made the allegation in an interview with RFI Hausa, the Hausa service of Radio France Internationale, claiming that he has been unable to take his wife home for about 11 months after leaving her at Gumi’s residence in September 2025.
The businessman said he married Khadija, a Moroccan national, in October 2024 after travelling to Morocco to seek her hand in marriage and completing the necessary legal and immigration procedures.
According to Idris, the marriage was conducted with the consent of Khadija’s parents and the involvement of relevant authorities, including the Nigerian embassy, before he brought her to Nigeria.
He said Khadija had not previously known anyone in Nigeria and that they lived together in Kaduna without major issues until September 2025.
Idris said he was later informed that Gumi wanted to counsel his wife over complaints she had allegedly raised about their marriage.
He said he trusted Gumi because of his reputation as an Islamic scholar and leader and subsequently took Khadija to the cleric’s residence.
“For Dr Gumi, I believe in him because of his character as a religious scholar and leader. I met him at a pharmacy on Isa Kaita Road with my family,” Idris said.
The businessman alleged that after leaving his wife at Gumi’s residence, he was unable to take her back despite making several attempts to regain access to her.
He said the situation persisted for months, leading him to report the matter to the relevant authorities and pursue legal action.
Idris further alleged that Gumi was invited by authorities to answer questions concerning the matter but failed to honour the invitation.
The dispute has also led to legal proceedings in Kaduna, where Idris reportedly made allegations relating to wrongful restraint or confinement, interference in his marriage, theft, defamation and issues surrounding a purported marriage document.
Court documents linked to the case reportedly listed Amal Ahmad Gumi, identified as Sheikh Gumi’s wife, alongside some members of the cleric’s family as defendants.
The filings indicated that Idris initially introduced Khadija to Amal because both women are Moroccan.
The businessman also questioned the authenticity and circumstances surrounding a purported marriage certificate and alleged Gumi’s involvement in proceedings before a Sharia Court in Kaduna.
However, the allegations have not been established as facts by a court, and there is no independent confirmation that Gumi married Khadija.
Gumi: I’ll sue him
Gumi has denied Idris’ allegations and threatened to take legal action against the businessman.
Speaking to Weekend Trust, the cleric dismissed the claims and said he would sue Idris.
Gumi’s response has turned the matter into a direct legal and factual dispute between the two men over what happened after Khadija was taken to his residence.
Idris, however, maintained that his marriage to Khadija was valid and that she was brought to Nigeria only after he completed the required procedures.
He said his primary concern was to have his wife returned and to obtain clarification over the circumstances under which she allegedly remained at Gumi’s residence.
The dispute has attracted public attention because of the identities of those involved and the unusual circumstances surrounding the marital disagreement.
With Gumi threatening legal action and the matter already before the relevant authorities and courts, the competing accounts may ultimately be determined through legal and investigative processes.