Renowned Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has initiated a criminal defamation lawsuit against two users of the social media platform Facebook. The case was filed at the Chief Magistrate Court in Kaduna State.
Legal Action Over False Allegations
The suit, bearing the number KMD/685/25, was formally lodged on Wednesday, December 24, 2025. The defendants named in the court documents are George Udom and Bello Isiaka, with Sheikh Ahmad Gumi listed as the complainant.
Court filings reveal that the case stems from a Facebook publication made on December 23, 2025. The post falsely claimed that Sheikh Gumi had issued a threat against the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa. The alleged statement warned that if the Minister did not halt military operations against bandits, his family in Zango Kataf, Southern Kaduna, would be eliminated.
Through his legal representative, Barrister Suleiman Lere, Sheikh Gumi has categorically denied ever making or supporting such a statement. His lawyer described the publication as "malicious, reckless, and deliberately crafted" to paint the cleric as a sponsor of terrorism and a threat to national security.
Reputation and Safety Concerns
Sheikh Gumi argues that the false post has caused severe damage to his reputation as a religious leader known for advocating peace, dialogue, and restraint. He emphasized that the fabricated threat has not only tarnished his public image but has also exposed him to significant personal risk.
The cleric stated that the publication could provoke retaliatory actions from security agencies and aggrieved individuals, thereby jeopardizing his safety. Barrister Lere issued a stern warning, declaring, "The era of hiding behind a smartphone to destroy the reputation of others is over." He urged all social media users to refrain from creating or spreading false content.
The criminal summons references several provisions of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law of 2017. If convicted, the defendants could face severe penalties as stipulated by the law.
Background and Broader Implications
Sheikh Ahmad Gumi is widely recognized for his past efforts to mediate and promote dialogue with armed bandits in northern Nigeria, particularly in states like Zamfara and Niger. His advocacy included calls for a federal amnesty program and the establishment of a ministry for nomadic affairs.
However, following the federal government's official designation of bandits as terrorists in 2021, Gumi publicly stepped back from direct engagement. He was quoted by Premium Times stating, "Since the federal government has declared them terrorists, I don't have anything to do with them anymore. I will now remain a spectator in the crisis." He added that his previous peace-building efforts, though well-intentioned, had exposed him to life-threatening dangers.
This legal action underscores a growing national concern over the rampant spread of misinformation and character assassination on social media platforms, especially when targeting high-profile public figures and peace advocates. Gumi's lawsuit signals a decisive move to hold individuals accountable for defamatory statements that can incite violence or irreparably harm a person's standing in society.
