SHEIKH GUMI FILES CRIMINAL COMPLAINT AGAINST TWO FACEBOOK USERS FOR ALLEGED DEFAMATION
Prominent Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has approached the Chief Magistrates’ Court in Kaduna seeking a criminal direct complaint summons against two individuals over alleged criminal conspiracy, attempt to cause public disturbance, and criminal defamation. The application was filed before the court sitting on Ibrahim Taiwo Road, Kaduna, naming defendants George Udom and Bello Isiaka. According to the complainant, the defendants allegedly published a false “Breaking News” statement on their respective Facebook pages on December 23, 2025, between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. The publication falsely attributed a threat to Sheikh Gumi that the family of the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, would be eliminated if military operations against bandits were not halted. Sheikh Gumi alleged that his photograph was used alongside the statement, giving the impression that he authored the threat. Sheikh Gumi told the court, “Following the publication, I received numerous phone calls from concerned members of the public who believed I had made the statement and was attempting to intimidate the Minister of Defence in the performance of his official duties.” He maintained that the publication portrayed him as a troublemaker and a threat to public peace, contrary to his long-standing reputation. “I am a cleric known for preaching peace, tolerance, and harmonious coexistence within and outside Nigeria,” he stated. He further argued that the alleged publication was capable of inciting public disorder in Kaduna State, particularly in Southern Kaduna. The scholar also expressed concern for his safety, stating the publication could “expose me to danger by presenting me as a prime suspect in the event of any attack on the Defence Minister’s family.” According to the complainant, the actions of the defendants amounted to an attempt to cause public disturbance and criminal defamation of his character. Sheikh Gumi stated that the alleged acts contravened Sections 59, 57, 372, 116, and 117 of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017. The application, dated December 24, 2025, was filed by a legal team led by Suleiman Danlami Lere. The complainant is urging the court to summon the defendants to answer to the allegations.
















































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































