Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, is facing widespread backlash after suggesting that armed groups involved in kidnapping rely on ransom payments to sustain their operations, a comment many Nigerians have described as insensitive amid ongoing insecurity.
The remarks, made during a televised interview, quickly triggered outrage across social media, with critics accusing him of appearing to rationalise the activities of criminal groups responsible for mass abductions and killings across the country.
In an interview on AIT, Gumi said that armed groups are under pressure from security operations and therefore depend on kidnapping proceeds to fund their activities.
He said: “The terrorists need all the money they’re getting from kidnapping, the government is putting too much pressure on them, so they need money to finance their war machines.”
He further added that if bandits leave kidnapping, they would lose their source of financing, a statement that intensified public anger.
Social Media Users React With Anger and Disbelief
The remarks quickly went viral, with Nigerians on X (formerly Twitter) and other platforms expressing shock, anger, and disbelief.
Many users accused Gumi of sympathising with armed groups, while others called for stronger government action against individuals perceived to be defending or rationalising terrorism.
@UmehWrites wrote: “He actually said ‘The govt is bombing us’ like ‘US’, he’s announcing he’s part of the terrorists. I try to avoid this man’s videos cos I don’t know how he still hasn’t been locked behind bars.”
@mc1yke added: “Boko Haram is a state-sponsored terrorist group… why would a government let people like Gumi work freely in a country like Nigeria where Boko Haram is killing thousands?”
@SwitchNigeriaNG wrote: “Tinubu would never take him out because like Miyetti Allah… I, however, believe that if he wins a second tenure, he might damn the consequences and put people like Gumi in jail.”
More Reactions Call for Arrest and Accountability
@NigIsland said: “It is a total disgrace that anyone would try to justify kidnapping… These people are not struggling; they are cowards who should be stopped.”
@Benjinku noted: “Saudi Arabia arrested and locked this terrorist up, but Nigeria is allowing him to move around freely and openly sympathise with terrorists on TV.”
@KingByronX questioned: “I genuinely don’t understand why anyone would make a statement like this when innocent Nigerians are suffering daily from kidnapping and terrorism.”
@PhoenixTv01 reacted more strongly: “Lives are being lost daily and this old, useless, foolish… white bearded he goat is busy defending perpetrators of this evil…”
@FubaraD1 added: “Why is this still walking free out there? This is a double standard of justice.”
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The controversy has reignited broader debate about insecurity, terrorism narratives, and public commentary in Nigeria, with many citizens demanding a clearer government stance on statements perceived as sympathetic to armed groups.
The issue continues to trend online as Nigerians remain divided over freedom of expression versus accountability in matters relating to national security.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.