We discussed how to curb banditry — Gumi speaks on meeting with security agencies

Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, has said he had “productive interaction” with security agencies who invited him over his comments on the activities of bandits in the country.

On Monday, Mohammed Idris, minister of information and orientation, disclosed that the federal government had invited Gumi over some of his remarks.

The minister had said Gumi was not above the law and that he would be reprimanded if security agencies deemed his comments reckless.

In a social media post on Tuesday, the cleric described his meeting with security agents as a “productive interaction on how to curb banditry”.

Gumi said “only one person is above the law: the innocent”.

“Last night I got many frantic calls from well-wishers and journalists about a news item that I was interviewed by security. There is absolutely no cause for alarm,” he wrote.

“Yes, we had a productive interaction on how to curb banditry as we are all trying — each in his own sphere — to tackle the monster bedevilling the nation. There was no animosity but courtesy and full of respect.

“We all need as a nation to unite and work in synergy to achieve an everlasting peace.”

In recent years, Gumi has been advocating amnesty for bandits.

The cleric has been photographed with various bandit groups on numerous occasions.

He maintains that many took to banditry because of alleged neglect and marginalisation from government.

Some Nigerians have called on security agencies to arrest the cleric over what they described as his alleged ties with terrorist groups.

Last week, the federal government named Tukur Mamu, Gumi’s associate, among persons linked with terrorism financing.

In his response, Gumi had said only a court of competent jurisdiction can so tag Mamu, adding that terrorists finance themselves from ransoms.