Gumi denies backing banditry, says videos were doctored

Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, a prominent Islamic cleric has denied allegations linking him to statements allegedly supporting banditry, insisting that his words and videos have been manipulated and taken out of context.

In a statement posted on his verified Facebook page on Saturday, Gumi said several clips and writings attributed to him were deliberately doctored by individuals and groups with what he described as biased and malicious intentions.

He alleged that some ethnic-based groups and online content creators were using sensational headlines to distort his past comments on Nigeria’s security challenges.

Gumi firmly rejected claims that he has ever supported or justified banditry in any form, describing such allegations as false and misleading.

According to him, “any video clip, written statement, or message attributed to me suggesting support for, justification of, protection of, or advocacy for banditry does not emanate from me.”

He urged the public, the media, and security agencies to disregard what he called fake and manipulated materials currently circulating online.

The cleric warned that he would take legal action against individuals or groups continuing to spread false claims about him.

Gumi also expressed concern over Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, attributing it to poverty, ignorance, and social injustice, while calling for national unity and understanding in addressing the crisis.