A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Joe Igbokwe, has accused Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi of acting as if he is above the law, saying his recent statements and actions suggest alignment with bandits.

Igbokwe made the remarks on X on Sunday, stating, “Is Sheikh Gumi above the law? I have heard him speaking in favour of the bandits. I have seen him having a meeting with well-armed bandits. He speaks as if he is their commander. His actions and deeds suggest that he is above the law.”

Sheikh Gumi has been vocal following the airstrikes conducted by the United States in Sokoto State, in collaboration with the Nigerian government. The strikes targeted ISIS and Lakurawa terrorists operating in the region.

Igbokwe’s comments come amid ongoing debates on how to tackle insecurity in the North, where banditry and terrorism remain major threats.