Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, a prominent Islamic scholar, has filed a criminal complaint against two Facebook users at the Chief Magistrate Court of Kaduna State. The suit, lodged on 24 December 2025 under case number KMD/685/25, alleges that the defendants issued death threats and published defamatory material about him.
According to court documents, the defendants—George Udom and Bello Isiaka—posted on Facebook on 23 December 2025 a statement purportedly from Sheikh Gumi that threatened the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, over ongoing military operations against bandits. The post claimed that the minister’s family in Zangon Kataf, Southern Kaduna, would be attacked if the military offensives were not halted. Through his lawyer, Suleiman Danlami Lere, Sheikh Gumi 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 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 contended 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, underscoring the need for online platforms to take responsibility for content posted on their sites.
The Kaduna State Chief Magistrate Court is expected to hear the case and determine the validity of the allegations. If found guilty, the defendants could be prosecuted under the 2017 Penal Code Law. The outcome will be closely watched, as it may set a precedent for future cases involving online defamation and harassment in Nigeria.
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