Nigerian lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has alleged that statements made by Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, could amount to the promotion of terrorism under Nigerian law, an offence punishable with up to 20 years imprisonment.
Adeyanju called for Gumi’s prosecution under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, following comments the cleric made during an interview on Africa Independent Television (AIT) on May 19, 2026.
During the interview, Gumi urged Nigerians to learn how to live with terrorists, arguing that armed groups were under pressure from government military operations.
According to Gumi, “They are under pressure to fight government, government that has helicopter and has been bombarding. They need all the money they’re getting from kidnapping. It’s not like they are living luxurious lives.
“The government is putting too much pressure on them so they need money to finance their war machines.”
Reacting to the remarks, Adeyanju said the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 criminalises not only direct participation in terrorist activities, but also actions capable of encouraging, justifying, promoting, or supporting terrorism and terrorist organisations.
He stated that the law broadly defines support to include incitement, ideological encouragement, public advocacy, dissemination of materials capable of advancing violent causes, and even moral or verbal backing for persons involved in acts of terror.
“Specifically, Section 13 of the Act criminalises soliciting for, rendering support to, or associating with terrorist groups, with punishment ranging up to imprisonment for a term not less than 20 years,” Adeyanju said.
The activist also questioned what he described as a double standard in the treatment of Gumi and Nnamdi Kanu.
According to him, the Federal Government has consistently argued that Kanu’s broadcasts and public comments amounted to incitement and support for unlawful violence, forming part of the basis for his prosecution under anti-terrorism laws.
“It is therefore not out of place to argue that Sheikh Gumi’s repeated public defence of armed bandits, his sympathetic rhetoric towards violent groups, and comments perceived as excusing or rationalising their atrocities should equally attract serious legal scrutiny under the Act,” he added.
Adeyanju further maintained that in a country battling terrorism and banditry, the law must be applied equally regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation.
