Activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju has called on the Nigerian government to immediately arrest Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi over remarks deemed supportive of bandits. The demand follows a viral video in which Gumi stated that Fulani herdsmen "are part of us and we are part of them. We must live with them." Adeyanju described the comments as inflammatory and tantamount to promoting terrorism. He made the call on Wednesday via a post on his Facebook page.
Adeyanju asserted that sympathizers of terrorists should be treated as terrorists themselves. He argued that only in a failed state could figures like Gumi operate without consequence. "His words and actions promote terrorism in Nigeria," Adeyanju said. He urged the government to arrest Gumi to serve as a deterrent to others who may express similar views.
The video clip has sparked debate online, with some interpreting Gumi's statement as a defense of criminal elements under the guise of ethnic solidarity. Others have questioned the legality and timing of any potential arrest. Gumi has not issued a public response to the calls for his arrest. The federal government likewise has not commented on the matter as of Wednesday evening.
Adeyanju is known for his activism on security and governance issues in Nigeria. He previously led protests demanding justice in cases of police brutality and extrajudicial killings. His latest call places renewed focus on the boundaries of free speech in relation to national security.
Adeyanju demands Gumi's arrest for saying Fulani herdsmen "are part of us," yet the same phrase could describe millions of Nigerians with Fulani heritage. Calling for detention over a statement about coexistence risks equating ethnic affiliation with terrorism. If sympathy for any group is now grounds for arrest, many public figures may need to be detained. The line between free speech and incitement is being defined by outrage, not law.
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