Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmed Gumi, has reportedly fled Nigeria to Turkey following United States President Donald Trump’s threat, This Dawn has learnt.
President Trump had recently threatened to attack Nigeria “guns-ablazing” against terrorists and their enablers killing Christians.
Shortly thereafter, Sheikh Gumi shared pictures of himself in Turkey on his Facebook page with someone believed to be his son.
Gumi has been described by observers as “controversial cleric”, “a terrorist sympathizer” and “a self-acclaimed negotiator for armed groups”.
Source claimed he fled Nigeria ahead of the anticipated U.S. military intervention over the ongoing genocide against Christians in Northern Nigeria.
Sheikh Gumi is known for his close interactions with armed terrorist in the North and has openly advocated dialogue with them.
He has been widely criticized for appearing to defend their actions, leading many to label him a terrorist sympathizer.
He has also kicked against the ‘Christian genocide’ in Nigeria concept.
According to him, it “is all about a well-drawn-out plan to attack the Shariah Law and Islamophobia”.
According to reports, Saudi authorities once barred him from participating in the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca due to his controversial activities and statements.
According to emerging reports, Gumi is said to have fled to Turkey, though he has to officially confirm same.
Who is Sheikh Ahmed Gumi?
Sheikh (Dr.) Ahmad Abubakar Mahmud Gumi is a prominent Nigerian Islamic cleric, scholar, and former military medical officer.
He is widely known for his outspoken views on national issues—especially security, banditry, and governance in northern Nigeria.
Background and Education
Sheikh Gumi was born in Kaduna, Kaduna State, Nigeria.
He is the son of the late Sheikh Abubakar Mahmud Gumi, a highly influential Islamic scholar, jurist, and Grand Khadi of Northern Nigeria.
His father was a close adviser to former military rulers and a major reformist voice in Nigeria’s Islamic community.
Ahmad studied Medicine at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
He obtained further training in Saudi Arabia, where he also studied Islamic jurisprudence and Arabic.
he served as a medical officer in the Nigerian Army, eventually reaching the rank of Captain before retiring to focus on religious work.
Religious Career
Gumi is a respected Islamic preacher and scholar in the Sunni tradition, associated with the Salafi movement.
He leads the Khadimul Islam Society and preaches regularly at the Sultan Bello Mosque in Kaduna.
He is known for his use of radio, television, and social media to reach large audiences, discussing Islamic theology, national unity, and political governance.
His sermons often combine Islamic teachings with strong commentary on Nigeria’s socio-political challenges.
Role in National Discourse
In recent years, Gumi became one of the most controversial figures in Nigeria over his involvement with bandits in the North.
He has visited bandit camps in forests across Kaduna, Zamfara, Niger, and Katsina States, claiming to be on a peace and mediation mission.
He claims that most bandits are ethnic Fulani herders, who took up arms due to poverty, injustice, and lack of education, not ideology.
Gumi has called for amnesty and dialogue with Fulani terrorist herdsmen and bandits.
He cited a similarity to the way the Nigerian government treated Niger Delta militants, rather than outright military confrontation.
This position has divided public opinion, with supporters seeing him as a mediator trying to bring peace through dialogue.
His critics, however, accuse him of justifying or legitimizing criminals, alleging he acts as a spokesman for bandits, an allegation he strongly denies.
Views and Advocacy
Sheikh Gumi frequently criticizes both federal and state authorities for corruption, negligence, and poor leadership.
He insists that many so-called bandits are victims of neglect and injustice, arguing that “you don’t fight terrorism with bullets alone, but with justice and inclusion.”
He is also an author and commentator, with his works and sermons widely circulated online, especially on YouTube and Facebook.
He enjoys a large following in northern Nigeria among Muslim youth, who see him as both a scholar and a social critic.
Controversies
Nigerian security agencies have reportedly questioned him in the past regarding his statements about bandits, but he has never been charged with a crime.
His advocacy for negotiation has drawn backlash from victims of bandit attacks and sections of the political class.
Despite criticism, he remains influential in the conversation on national security, Islam, and peacebuilding.
The Kaduna-based Islamic scholar and public figure who combines religious authority with activism.
His peace missions to bandit enclaves and outspoken criticism of the government make him both a polarizing and influential voice in Nigeria’s struggle against insecurity.
