Sheikh Gumi Drags Two to Court Over Alleged Fake Threat Against Defence Minister

Sheikh Gumi Drags Two to Court Over Alleged Fake Threat Against Defence Minister

Prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has approached a Chief Magistrate Court in Kaduna State, seeking the issuance of a criminal direct complaint summons against two individuals over alleged conspiracy, attempt to cause public disturbance and criminal defamation.

The application was filed before the Chief Magistrate Court sitting on Ibrahim Taiwo Road, Kaduna, naming the defendants as George Udom and Bello Isiaka.

According to court documents, Sheikh Gumi alleged that the defendants published a statement tagged “Breaking News” on their respective Facebook pages on Tuesday between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., claiming that the family of the Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Musa, would be eliminated if military operations against bandits were not halted.

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The cleric told the court that the statement was falsely attributed to him, with his photograph allegedly used alongside the post, thereby creating the impression that he authored and issued the threat.

Gumi said the publication led to multiple phone calls from members of the public, who believed he was responsible for the statement and was attempting to intimidate the Defence Minister in the discharge of his official duties.

He further stated that the alleged publication damaged his reputation as a religious leader known for preaching peace and harmony within and outside Nigeria, while portraying him as a threat to public peace and security.

According to the complainant, the post was also capable of inciting public disorder in Kaduna State, particularly in Southern Kaduna, and could expose him to personal danger by presenting him as a suspect should any attack occur on the minister’s family.

Sheikh Gumi maintained that the actions of the defendants amounted to attempt to cause public disturbance and criminal defamation of character, contrary to Sections 59, 57, 372, 116 and 117 of the Penal Code Law of Kaduna State, 2017.

The application, dated December 24, 2025, was filed by a legal team led by Suleiman Lere, with the cleric urging the court to summon the defendants to answer to the allegations.

Sheikh Gumi Drags Two to Court Over Alleged Fake Threat Against Defence Minister