Sheikh Gumi Threatens to Sue Lawyer Malcolm Omirhobo Over ‘Defamatory’ Terrorism Allegations
“Sheikh Ahmad Gumi threatens to sue human rights lawyer Malcolm Omirhobo over alleged defamatory claims linking him to terrorism. The Islamic cleric demands a 48-hour retraction and public apology or face court action.”
Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, has threatened to take legal action against human rights lawyer Chief Malcolm Emokiniovo Omirhobo over what he described as “defamatory and inciting claims” capable of fueling religious tension in Nigeria.
In a post shared on his official Facebook page on Thursday, Sheikh Gumi demanded that Omirhobo withdraw his statement and issue an “unreserved apology” within 48 hours or risk being dragged to court for defamation and incitement.
According to the cleric, “Chief Malcolm Emokiniovo Omirhobo should retract his defamatory allegations against me (Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Abubakar Gumi) and tender an unreserved apology in another press release within 48 hours; otherwise, he will be charged in court for defamation and intent to stir religious crisis in Nigeria.”
Gumi’s threat comes in response to a statement by Omirhobo titled “Terrorism Apology Is a Crime: Government Must Investigate and Prosecute Sheikh Ahmad Gumi.” In the statement, the Lagos-based lawyer accused Gumi of “publicly justifying and defending terrorists,” urging the Federal Government and security agencies to investigate and prosecute the cleric.
Omirhobo, citing provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Criminal Code Act, argued that Gumi’s alleged statements and visits to bandit enclaves amount to tacit support for terrorism and pose a threat to Nigeria’s national security.
The development has stirred fresh debate on the thin line between freedom of speech, religious advocacy, and national security, especially in a country grappling with insurgency and ethnic tensions.
