A prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, has initiated a criminal complaint against two Facebook users at the Chief Magistrate Court of Kaduna State. The lawsuit, filed on December 24, 2025, with suit number KMD/685/25, alleges that the defendants made death threats and published defamatory content against him.
According to court documents, the defendants, George Udom and Bello Isiaka, posted on Facebook on December 23, 2025, a statement attributed to Sheikh Gumi, threatening the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, over ongoing military operations against bandits. The post allegedly claimed that the minister’s family in Zangon Kataf, Southern Kaduna, would be attacked if the military offensives were not halted.
Sheikh Gumi, through his lawyer, Suleiman Danlami Lere, denied making such a statement, describing the publication as false, malicious, and capable of portraying him as a sponsor of terrorism and a threat to national security. The complainant argued that the defendants used his name and photograph to lend credibility to the alleged threat, thereby exposing him to possible retaliation from security agencies and members of the public.
The application for a criminal summons cited relevant provisions of the Penal Code Law of Kaduna State, 2017, under which the defendants could face prosecution if the allegations are proven. As a cleric known for advocating peaceful dialogue, Sheikh Gumi stated that the publications were designed to incite hatred and violence against him.
The case highlights the risks of social media misuse and the importance of verifying information before sharing it. Sheikh Gumi’s lawsuit also underscores the need for online platforms to take responsibility for the content shared on their sites. The court’s decision in this case may have significant implications for online free speech and the accountability of social media users in Nigeria.
The Kaduna State Chief Magistrate Court is expected to hear the case and determine the validity of the allegations against the defendants. If found guilty, they could face prosecution under the Penal Code Law of Kaduna State, 2017. The outcome of this case will be closely watched, as it may set a precedent for similar cases involving online defamation and harassment in Nigeria.