Controversial cleric, Sheikh Gumi picked up by security agencies for questioning

As cases of banditry mostly in Northern Nigeria intensify, the federal government has initiated the interrogation of controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, insisting that he is not above the law. Consequently, the security agencies have invited him for questioning over his bold utterances and perspective. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this to State House correspondents on Monday after the Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Following statements made by Sheikh Gumi about the abduction of over 280 pupils and teachers in Kaduna State, the minister said the government has deemed it necessary to invite him for questioning. Gumi’s offer to negotiate with the terrorists responsible for the abductions had raised concerns, with Nigerians questioning why he had not been invited for interrogation. The minister highlighted that Gumi is not above the law and must be held accountable for his actions and statements. “Sheikh Gumi, or any other individual, is not above the law. If he has suggestions that are good enough and that are constructive enough for the security agencies to take, they will take but if they think that he is also making some statements that appear to be reckless, he will also be reprimanded,” Idris stated.