Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has accused the United States of orchestrating a cover-up regarding reports of Christian genocide in Nigeria.

Gumi’s reaction followed a post by former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, who criticised a New York Times report claiming that the narrative of Christian genocide in Nigeria originated from a man identified only as Emeka, a small-scale screwdriver trader from Onitsha.

According to the report, Emeka, described as the operator of a minor NGO, allegedly claimed to have documented “125,000 Christian deaths” through “Google searches,” a figure the newspaper described as unverified.

Reacting on X (formerly Twitter), Sani said:

“It is unfortunate and tragic that such unverified claims could mobilise US lawmakers, the President, and the intelligence community, leading even to military airstrikes. This is one of the most foolish and comical events in recent history. Truly shameful.”

Sheikh Gumi, commenting on the matter on Facebook, insisted that the US intelligence community is not unaware of the realities in Nigeria. He claimed the alleged report was used to provide a Nigerian “cover” for American interests.

The controversial report previously triggered military airstrikes in Sokoto State after then-US President Donald Trump responded to the claims of Christian genocide.