Gumi Contradicts DSS, Says ‘Nobody Invited Me For Questioning’

Popular Islamic scholar, Ahmad Gumi, has denied being invited for questioning by the Department of State Services (DSS). 

Earlier reports had said that Gumi was to be grilled by the DSS over comments he made while being interviewed recently on Arise TV. 

Gumi had accused some “bad elements” in security agencies of helping bandits to acquire weapons, a claim that was strongly condemned by the Nigerian Army.

DSS spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, told THE WHISTLER in a text message on Friday that, “The service invited Sheikh Gumi and it is not out of place for it to invite any person of interest”.

Reacting, the cleric debunked the reports while speaking to the press after presiding over a Friday prayer in Kaduna State.

Gumi also said his interactions with suspected bandits had both the government and security agencies’ backing. 

He said, “Nobody invited me for any questioning or any arrest. I can categorically say that. But, since I ventured into the forest, I go there with full security. With the police, with the knowledge of the SS, with government officials, with the traditional rulers and with the Fulani leaders. I never went alone.

“So, all along I have been doing it with the government. So, there is no difference between us and the authorities. So people should have their peace”.

Gumi has remained at the forefront of dialogue with bandits in forests across the northern region. 

His engagements and recommendation that the government should negotiate with bandits to address insecurity in the country have sparked controversy, with people calling for his arrest.