Activist lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has called on the Federal Government to arrest Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, over comments linked to Nigeria’s security challenges.

Adeyanju made the call on Wednesday following the circulation of a viral video in which Gumi reportedly spoke about Fulani herders and insecurity.

In the video, Gumi was quoted as saying Fulani herders “are going nowhere,” adding that “they are part of us and we are part of them. We must live with them.”

Reacting through a post on his Facebook page, Adeyanju accused the cleric of making statements capable of encouraging terrorism.

“People like Gumi can only survive in a country without a government. Terrorists sympathisers are terrorists,” he wrote.

“His words and actions promote terrorism in Nigeria. I call on the government to arrest him to serve as a deterrent to others.”

The activist argued that individuals perceived to be defending or sympathising with violent groups should be treated in line with the law.

Gumi has repeatedly spoken on insecurity and banditry in northern Nigeria, often attracting public debate and criticism over some of his positions.