Popular Nollywood actor Imeh Bishop Umoh, widely known as Okon Lagos, has launched a powerful demand for the prosecution of prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmed Gumi, labeling him a proven banditry apologist.
Open Letter to President Tinubu
In a strongly-worded open letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu and shared on his Instagram platform, the actor expressed deep frustration with what he perceives as a lack of courage from Nigerian authorities to hold the cleric accountable.
The actor specifically referenced Sheikh Gumi's well-documented history of negotiating with terrorists in their hideouts and publicly advocating on their behalf.
Deficiency in Counter-Terrorism Courage
Okon Lagos declared that the situation is visible to the blind and audible to the deaf, pointing to what he called a huge deficiency, if not total absence, of will to arrest, investigate, and prosecute Gumi for terrorism-related activities.
He firmly supported the position of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, who once stated that the only repentant terrorist is a dead one.
The actor's message contained uncompromising language: No responsible government negotiates with terrorists, emphasizing that this principle should guide the government's approach to security challenges.
Call for Political Courage
Addressing potential political obstacles, Umoh challenged President Tinubu to demonstrate leadership by touching what he termed sacred cows and ensuring that heads roll in the interest of national security.
He argued that such decisive action represents a necessary step toward making Nigerian roads and farmlands safe again, restoring community livability, and ensuring the security of worship centers across the nation.
The actor concluded with a mix of desperation and hope, stating that our country is near gone while expressing confidence that President Tinubu possesses the capability to save what remains of the nation and restore it to glory.
The open letter was originally published on November 23, 2025, through Linda Ikeji's media platform, marking a significant celebrity intervention in Nigeria's ongoing security discourse.
