Gumi: Videos and statements of me supporting bandits were doctored.

Islamic cleric Ahmad Abubakar Mahmoud Gumi has denied claims that he has expressed support for banditry in Nigeria, calling the allegations false, manipulated and malicious.

In a statement posted on his verified Facebook page on Saturday, Gumi said he had noticed that some of his media interviews on insecurity and banditry were being deliberately misrepresented by what he described as “ethnic‑interest groups, individuals driven by prejudice, and sectional internet content creators.”

He said these parties were using “sensational and outrageous headlines” to attract public attention and online viewership “at the expense of human suffering and sacrifice.”

The cleric made it clear that he has never supported or justified banditry in any form.

“I hereby state unequivocally that any video clip, written statement, or message attributed to me, whether directly or by innuendo, suggesting support for, justification of, protection of, or advocacy for banditry in Nigeria or anywhere else does not emanate from me,” he said.

Gumi described himself as “a loyal citizen” who firmly believes in Nigeria’s potential, and urged the public and authorities to disregard the materials currently circulating against him.

“I, therefore, urge the general public, the media, and the Nigerian state to disregard such fake, manipulated, and doctored materials currently in circulation,” he stated.

He warned that anyone who continues to circulate what he called falsehoods against him from the date of the statement would face legal consequences.

The cleric also expressed hope for national healing and lasting peace, while sympathising with victims of violence across the country.

“I sincerely hope that our great nation will heal, and that all victims affected by this violence will find comfort in the collective determination of the nation and the international community to achieve a lasting solution to the insecurity fueled over time by ignorance, poverty, and widespread social injustice,” he added.