Prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has filed a criminal complaint against two individuals for allegedly publishing a false and inciting statement on social media in his name, a move his lawyers say is a firm warning against online character assassination.
The case, filed at a Chief Magistrate Court in Kaduna State on December 24, 2025, targets defendants identified as George Udom and Bello Isiaka. The suit alleges that on December 23, the two published a fabricated Facebook post attributed to Gumi that contained a severe threat against the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd). The fraudulent post reportedly stated: “If the Minister of Defence Christopher Musa don’t stop his military offensive against bandits, his entire family in Zango Katab in Southern Kaduna will be eliminated.”
In court documents, Gumi’s legal team, led by Suleiman Danlami Lere, strongly denies the cleric made any such statement. They argue that the defendants deliberately used Gumi's name and photograph to falsely portray him as a sponsor of terrorism and a threat to national security. The application for criminal summons invokes provisions of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law of 2017.
Gumi contends that the publication has endangered his life and severely damaged his reputation as a religious leader known for advocating peace. He asserts the posts have wrongfully cast him as a "troublemaker," exposing him to potential retaliation from security forces or the public.
In a statement accompanying the legal action, Gumi’s lawyers issued a stark warning to social media users. “The era of hiding behind a smartphone to destroy the reputation of others is over,” they stated. “This case serves as a notice to all who intend to post defamatory or false content: the law will find you, and the prison gates are open for those who choose character assassination over truth.”
The lawsuit marks a significant legal stance by the cleric against what he describes as malicious online falsehoods, aiming to set a precedent for accountability in digital spaces.
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