‘We Had Productive Interaction’ – Gumi Reveals Outcome Of Meeting With Security Agencies

• The cleric stated that his meeting with the security agents centred on how to curb banditry in the North West region of the country. 
• Gumi said there was no cause for alarm and thanked well-wishers and journalists who called to check on him. 

Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, controversial Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, has confirmed security agencies invited him over his comments on the activities of bandits in the country.

WITHIN NIGERIA earlier reported that Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and Orientation on Monday, revealed that Gumi had been invited over some of his remarks.

According to the minister, Gumi was subject to the law and would face questioning if security authorities considered his remarks to be imprudent.

This comes after Gumi reiterated his support for bandit amnesty in a recent radio broadcast, claiming that many turned to banditry due to perceived marginalization and neglect from the government.

The cleric has frequently been seen in pictures with different gangs of bandits, and some Nigerians have demanded that he be taken into custody by security services due to his suspected connections to terrorist organisations.

In a post on his Facebook page on Tuesday, Gumi said he had a productive interaction with security agencies who invited him over his alleged connections with bandits.

The cleric stated that his meeting with the security agents centred on how to curb banditry in the North West region of the country.

Gumi said there was no cause for alarm and thanked well-wishers and journalists who called to check on him.

He wrote: “Last night I got many frantic calls from well-wishers and journalists about a news item that I was interviewed by security. There is absolutely no cause for alarm.

“Yes, we had a productive interaction on how to curb banditry as we are all trying — each in his own sphere — to tackle the monster bedevilling the nation. There was no animosity but courtesy and full of respect.

“We all need as a nation to unite and work in synergy to achieve an everlasting peace.”