Ahmad Gumi has distanced himself from alleged statements and materials circulating online that link him to support for banditry in Nigeria.
In a statement issued in Kaduna on Saturday, Gumi described the reports as fake, manipulated and doctored by individuals and groups driven by ethnic and sectional interests.
The cleric said some of his media interviews, public lectures and comments on insecurity had been deliberately twisted by online content creators seeking sensational headlines and internet traffic.
“I hereby state unequivocally that any video clip, written statement, or message attributed to me, whether directly or by innuendo suggesting support for, justification of, protection of, or advocacy for banditry in Nigeria or anywhere else, does not emanate from me,” he said.
Gumi reaffirmed his loyalty to Nigeria, describing the country as a nation blessed with enormous potential.
He called on the public, media organisations and government agencies to ignore misleading materials being circulated in his name.
The Islamic scholar also warned that any person or group continuing to spread false information against him from the date of the statement would face legal action.
Gumi expressed optimism that Nigeria would eventually overcome its security challenges and prayed that victims of violence across the country would find solace in the shared determination of Nigerians and the international community to tackle insecurity.
He blamed the continued insecurity on issues including ignorance, poverty and widespread social injustice, while urging stakeholders to pursue lasting solutions to the crisis.