Renowned Nigerian Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, has initiated criminal proceedings against two individuals on Facebook, alleging death threats and defamatory publications that falsely link him to incitement of violence. The complaint, filed before the Chief Magistrate Court of Kaduna State, comes amidst heightened tensions surrounding ongoing military operations targeting bandits in the region, with Gumi asserting that the online posts have gravely endangered his life and severely damaged his public image.
Court documents reveal that the defendants, identified as George Udom and Bello Isiaka, are accused of publishing a particular Facebook post on December 23, 2025. This contentious post allegedly attributed a highly inflammatory statement to Sheikh Gumi, threatening Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, and his family. The content purportedly warned of attacks on the minister’s relatives in Zangon Kataf, located in Southern Kaduna, should the military operations against armed groups not cease immediately.
Sheikh Gumi, through his legal representative, Suleiman Danlami Lere, Esq., vehemently denies ever uttering such a statement, branding the publication as entirely false and maliciously intended. He argues that the fabricated claims are designed to portray him as a sponsor of terrorism and a significant threat to national security, a characterisation he strongly refutes given his public stance as an advocate for peaceful resolution and dialogue in conflict zones.
The cleric’s legal counsel emphasised to the court that the defendants deliberately utilised Sheikh Gumi’s prominent name and photograph within the contentious post, thereby lending a false sense of credibility and authority to the alleged threats. This calculated act, according to the complaint, has exposed Gumi to potential reprisals from both security agencies and a concerned public, creating a direct risk to his personal safety and professional standing.
The criminal complaint, bearing suit number KMD/685/25 and formally lodged on December 24, 2025, seeks the issuance of criminal summons against Udom and Isiaka. The application cites specific provisions of the Penal Code Law of Kaduna State, 2017, under which the alleged actions of the defendants could warrant severe prosecution if the court finds the accusations to be substantiated through due legal process and evidence presentation.
Gumi highlighted his established reputation as a cleric who has consistently championed peaceful dialogue as a primary means of addressing societal conflicts and insecurity across Nigeria. He described the online publications as “wicked,” asserting they were meticulously crafted to incite hatred and foster violence directly against him, fundamentally undermining his long-standing efforts to promote understanding and stability within communities.
The case underscores a growing concern regarding the spread of misinformation and the weaponisation of social media platforms in Nigeria, where false narratives can quickly escalate tensions and endanger public figures. Legal experts suggest that such high-profile defamation cases serve as a crucial test for the nation’s legal framework in holding individuals accountable for online content that infringes upon the rights and safety of others.
Should the court find the defendants culpable, it would send a strong message about the legal ramifications of disseminating unverified and harmful information online, particularly when it involves allegations of national security breaches and threats to public officials. The outcome of this case is therefore keenly awaited, as it could establish a significant precedent for digital accountability in the country.
The alleged threat against the Minister of Defence and his family is particularly sensitive, given the ongoing intense military operations in parts of Kaduna and other North-West states aimed at dislodging bandit groups. The false attribution of such a statement to a figure like Sheikh Gumi could potentially complicate efforts to build trust between communities and security forces, and even inadvertently fuel further instability.
This legal action by Sheikh Gumi is not merely a personal quest for vindication but also a broader attempt to address the unchecked proliferation of dangerous falsehoods that often circulate on social media. It brings into sharp focus the imperative for responsible online conduct and the need for users to verify information before sharing, especially when it concerns matters of public safety and national security.
