Gumi Defends Mamu, Questions Security Agencies’ Right to Declare Terror Financiers

Popular Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi came to the defense of his close associate, Kaduna-based publisher Tukur Mamu, who was recently declared a terror financier by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).

Gumi questioned the right of security agencies to make such declarations and emphasized the importance of waiting for the court to decide on Mamu’s case.

The NFIU had listed Mamu among 15 entities, including nine individuals and six Bureau De Change (BDC) operators and firms, as terror sponsors.

The agency alleged that Mamu “participated in the financing of terrorism by receiving and delivering ransome payments over the sum of $200,000 US in support of ISWAP terrorists for the release of hostages of the Abuja-Kaduna train attack.”

Gumi, however, argued that the case is already in court and that it is wrong to resort to media trials.

He also pointed out that security agencies have no right to declare anyone a terrorist financier, and that the court should decide on Mamu’s guilt or innocence.

Gumi further stated that if Mamu is found guilty by the court, he should face the full consequences of his actions.

However, he maintained that Mamu’s arrest may be a test from God and that he should be given a fair trial in court.

The Islamic cleric also expressed concern about the intimidation and injustice that can result from the arrest and detention of individuals without proper legal proceedings, comparing it to the actions of terrorists themselves.

As the case unfolds, the outcome will have significant implications for the roles and responsibilities of security agencies in Nigeria, as well as the rights of individuals facing accusations of terrorism-related activities.