Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, an Islamic cleric living in Kaduna, has broken his silence following a request from the Department of State Services to speak publicly about bandit activities in the country.
According to him, the invitation was required, and he had a positive encounter with the security personnel who questioned him.
Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and Orientation, said that the prominent Islamic cleric was summoned for questioning, emphasising that no one is above the law.
He (Gumi) promised to negotiate with the bandits who kidnapped students from Kuriga Government Secondary and LEA Primary Schools in Kaduna State’s Chikun Local Government Area.
He urged President Bola Tinubu not to repeat the mistake made by former President Muhammadu Buhari, who he said refused to dialogue with bandits.
The abducted Kaduna children were released on Sunday, with the government saying no ransom was paid for their release.
Gumi, in a social media post titled, ‘Only one person is above the law: The Innocent!’ on Tuesday, wrote, “Last night, I got many frantic calls from well-wishers and journalists about a news item that I was interviewed by security. There is absolutely no cause for alarm.
“Yes, we had a productive interaction on how to curb banditry as we are all trying – each in his own sphere – to tackle the monster bedevilling the nation. There was no animosity but courtesy and full of respect.
“We all need as a nation to unite and work in synergy to achieve an everlasting peace. I thank you for your concern. May Allah continue to protect us all from all evil.”
Gumi had previously negotiated on behalf of state governments to free abducted persons.
Last week, the Federal Government named his associate, Tukur Mamu, among persons linked with terrorism financing.
In his response, Gumi condemned the list saying only a court of competent jurisdiction can so tag his associates and others who appeared on the list as terrorism financiers.