Sheikh Gumi’s Conduct ‘Suggests He Is Above The Law,’ Says APC Chieftain

According to Ireporter Online, Joe Igbokwe, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has accused Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi of acting as though he is above the law. Igbokwe’s comments follow Gumi’s outspoken criticism of recent airstrikes carried out by the United States in Sokoto State, which targeted ISIS and Lakurawa terrorist groups in collaboration with the Nigerian government.

Igbokwe, in a post on his Facebook page on Sunday, alleged that Gumi appears to be defending bandits, describing his conduct as akin to that of a commander of the armed groups. “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,” Igbokwe wrote.

Nigerian lawyer and human rights activist, Deji Adeyanju, also criticized Gumi for his remarks regarding the airstrikes. Posting on , Adeyanju questioned why Gumi would express concern if the airstrikes failed to eliminate any ISIS operatives, suggesting instead that Gumi should be relieved that the terrorists remain contained. Adeyanju called for strengthened cooperation between the United States and Nigeria to combat terrorist activities in the country.