Sheikh Gumi Files Criminal Complaint Over Alleged Threat to Defence Minister

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

The complaint, filed at the Chief Magistrate Court on Ibrahim Taiwo Road, names George Udom and Bello Isiaka as defendants. According to the application, the defendants published a post tagged “Breaking News” on their respective Facebook pages on Tuesday morning, claiming that the family of the Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, would be eliminated if military operations against bandits were not halted.

Sheikh Gumi told the court that the statement was falsely attributed to him, with his photograph used alongside the claim, giving the impression that he had issued the threat. He said the publication led to numerous calls from concerned members of the public who believed he intended to intimidate the defence minister in the performance of his official duties.

The cleric added that the alleged publication misrepresented him as a threat to public peace, contrary to his reputation as a religious leader known for preaching peace and harmony in Nigeria. He warned that the posts could incite public disorder, particularly in Southern Kaduna, and potentially place him in danger if any attack were carried out against the defence minister’s family.

Sheikh Gumi argued that the actions of the defendants constituted criminal defamation and an attempt to cause public disturbance, citing Sections 57, 59, 116, 117, and 372 of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017.

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

The case adds to rising concerns over the circulation of false information on social media and its potential to incite public unrest.