Islamic cleric Sheik Ahmad Gumi has challenged the Federal Government’s assertion regarding individuals allegedly involved in terrorism financing in Nigeria. The government recently released a list of 15 entities, including nine individuals and six Bureau De Change operators and firms, accused of funding terrorism.
The revelation came from the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit in an email titled “Designation of Individuals and Entities for March 18, 2024.” Among those listed was Gumi’s associate, Tukur Mamu, implicated in aiding terrorists linked to the Abuja-Kaduna train attack.
However, during a Twitter spaces discussion organized by Daily Trust, Gumi disputed the accusations, stating that Nigerians wouldn’t fund terrorism. He argued that terrorists finance their operations through ransom payments collected from kidnapped victims’ families.
Gumi emphasized the need for evidence and due process, suggesting that Mamu’s case should be left to the courts to decide. He criticized media trials and questioned the authority of security agencies to label individuals as terrorist financiers.
Regarding his recent offer to negotiate with bandits to secure the release of abducted schoolchildren, Gumi urged President Bola Tinubu not to repeat the perceived mistake of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who refused dialogue with bandits.
The cleric’s comments come amid ongoing insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in Kaduna State, where bandits recently abducted hundreds of schoolchildren from Kuriga Government Secondary and LEA Primary Schools in the Chikun Local Government Area.
