A Nigerian pastor has ignited a fierce online debate by calling for the immediate arrest and trial of prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi. This demand comes in direct response to Gumi's critical statements following the United States military strike on ISIS bases in Sokoto state on Christmas Day.
Gumi Condemns US Intervention, Suggests Alternatives
The controversy stems from a report by Daily Trust, where Sheikh Gumi was quoted condemning the US action. The cleric argued that the Nigerian government should have sought military assistance from nations like Turkey, China, or Pakistan instead of the United States.
Gumi's statement partially read: "However, this should only be carried out by clean, holy hands, not by another terrorist whose hands are stained with the blood of hundreds of thousands of innocent children, women, and men." He further warned that US involvement would attract anti-US forces, potentially turning Nigeria into a "theater of war."
Pastor's Furious Reaction and Public Call to Action
Reacting to Gumi's position, a pastor using the X (formerly Twitter) handle @ProtecttheFaith launched a scathing attack. He accused Gumi of defending terrorists and demanded concrete government action.
The pastor's post stated: "Sheikh Gumi protests President Trump's Christmas military strikes against the Islamist terrorists." He went further, writing: "Gumi must be arrested and put on trial for crimes against humanity. Tinubu must publicly condemn Gumi or else he is declaring his complicity in his crimes."
Nigerians Divided in Heated Online Reactions
The pastor's call has triggered a wave of reactions from Nigerians online, revealing deep divisions on the issue:
- @cawfacts2022 countered the criticism, noting: "Merry Christmas... BTW the Nigerian government cooperated with the US bombing, so haters quiet down."
- @Ocaleb88 suggested a conspiracy: "It’s very clear that Tinubu and indeed APC have something they have with Gumi which is the reason it’s been impossible for them to arrest him..."
- @savndaniel accused Gumi of deeper ties: "Sheikh Gumi's consistent and unyielding defence of these terrorists raises serious questions about his potential role as their leader or operational strategist..."
- @Olori_Seun1 echoed suspicions: "I have come to the conclusion Gumi has many of their dirty doings and that's why it has become difficult to arrest him..."
The US strike, confirmed by President Donald Trump on December 27, 2025, has clearly opened a new front in Nigeria's complex discourse on security, sovereignty, and the rhetoric surrounding terrorism.
