Adesanya-Davies calls for arrest of Sheikh Gumi over statements on U.S.–Nigeria military cooperation
A public affairs commentator and rights advocate, Prof. Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, has called on the Federal Government to arrest and investigate Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi over recent comments she described as threatening Nigeria’s national security and sovereignty.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, Adesanya-Davies condemned Sheikh Gumi’s reported warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to halt military cooperation with the United States following alleged U.S. airstrikes against terrorist targets in Nigeria. She said the remarks were “dangerous, inflammatory, and reckless,” and accused the cleric of undermining Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts.
According to Adesanya-Davies, no private citizen or religious leader has the constitutional authority to question or obstruct the Federal Government’s security strategy, particularly at a time when the country is grappling with terrorism, banditry, kidnappings, and mass killings.
“At a time Nigeria is bleeding from insecurity, such statements read less like advice and more like strategic messaging capable of emboldening terror groups,” she said.
She further alleged that Sheikh Gumi’s call for Nigeria to end cooperation with the United States and instead seek assistance from other countries amounted to an attempt to weaken ongoing counter-terrorism operations. Describing the remarks as treasonous, Adesanya-Davies accused the cleric of using divisive and religious rhetoric to polarize the country.
She also rejected claims attributed to Gumi suggesting that international counter-terrorism cooperation was aimed at protecting Christians or waging a religious war against Muslims, warning that such framing could endanger national unity.
“Terrorism is not a Christian or Muslim issue; it is a criminal and existential threat to the Nigerian state. Any attempt to religiousize it is irresponsible and combustible,” she stated.
Adesanya-Davies called on security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), to arrest Sheikh Gumi and investigate his statements, communications, and associations to determine whether they constitute incitement, material support, or ideological sympathy for terrorist groups.
“Freedom of speech does not extend to sabotaging national security or encouraging mass violence. No individual, regardless of status, should be above the law,” she said.
She reaffirmed her support for lawful international cooperation aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and urged President Tinubu to remain resolute in prioritizing national security over political or religious pressure.
Adesanya-Davies concluded by calling on Nigerians to reject what she described as divisive rhetoric and to support government efforts to combat terrorism and restore peace across the country.
