Controversial Islamic cleric Sheik Ahmad Gumi has voiced disagreement with the Federal Government concerning its recent release of a list implicating individuals in terrorism financing within the country. Details of this development were disclosed by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit in an email sent to our correspondent on Tuesday night, titled “Designation of Individuals and Entities for March 18, 2024.”
The document outlined that the Nigeria Sanctions Committee convened on March 18, 2024, and recommended specific individuals and entities for sanctions due to their involvement in terrorism financing. Notably, the document listed Gumi’s associate and Kaduna-based publisher, Tukur Mamu, who is currently facing trial by the Federal Government for allegedly aiding terrorists responsible for the Abuja-Kaduna train attack in March 2022, as the top individual.
According to the document, Mamu was alleged to have “participated in the financing of terrorism by receiving and delivering ransom payments exceeding $200,000 US to support ISWAP terrorists for the release of hostages from the Abuja-Kaduna train attack.”
In response to this development during a Twitter spaces discussion organized by Daily Trust on Wednesday, Gumi criticized the list, asserting that security agencies lacked the authority to label anyone a terrorist financier. He claimed that no Nigerian would willingly finance terrorism, insisting that the terrorists funded themselves through ransom payments obtained from the families of kidnapped victims.
Gumi further expressed skepticism regarding the allegations against Mamu, emphasizing that if found guilty by a court of law and public opinion, he should face punishment. He criticized the notion of conducting a media trial, advocating instead for a fair legal process.
Regarding Mamu’s case, Gumi urged patience for the court’s verdict, highlighting the importance of allowing legal proceedings to determine guilt or innocence rather than preconceived judgments by security agencies or the media.
Gumi’s recent statements come amidst his disclosed intention to engage in dialogue with bandits responsible for the abduction of approximately 287 schoolchildren from Kuriga Government Secondary and LEA Primary Schools in the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State. He expressed readiness to negotiate for the release of the abducted children, urging President Bola Tinubu to consider this approach and avoid the perceived mistakes made by former President Muhammadu Buhari, who declined dialogue with bandits.
The abduction in the Kuriga area underscores ongoing security challenges in Kaduna State, with Gumi’s proposed dialogue presenting a potential avenue for resolving such crises.
