Renowned Islamic cleric, Sheikh Abubakar Ahmad Gumi, has instituted a criminal action against two Facebook users before a Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Kaduna State, over alleged death threats and defamatory publications against his person.
The suit, KMD/685/25, filed on Dec. 24, 2025, names George Udom and Bello Isiaka as defendants.
According to court documents sighted by the source, the cleric alleged that the defendants, on Dec. 23, 2025, published a Facebook post falsely attributing to him a statement threatening the family of the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Southern Kaduna.
The controversial post alleged that Sheikh Gumi had warned that “if the Minister of Defence Christopher Musa does not stop his military offensive against bandits, his entire family in Zango Kataf in Southern Kaduna will be eliminated.”
Sheikh Gumi, through his legal team led by Suleiman Danlami Lere, Esq., categorically denied making or authorising such a statement.
He told the court that the defendants allegedly used his name and photograph to portray him as a supporter of terrorism and a threat to national security, an act he described as false, malicious and dangerous.
The cleric argued that the publication was capable of inciting public hatred, exposing him to possible retaliation by security agencies and members of the public, and gravely damaging his reputation as a cleric known for preaching peace.
He further submitted that the alleged posts amounted to criminal defamation, conspiracy and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace, contrary to provisions of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017.
Certified copies of the criminal complaint, summons and attached exhibits, including screenshots of the alleged Facebook publications, were also posted by Sheikh Gumi on his verified Facebook page.
Source reports that the summons cited relevant sections of the Penal Code, which prescribe penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment if the defendants are found guilty.
Reacting to the matter, Sheikh Gumi said the case was intended to serve as a deterrent against reckless use of social media.
“The era of hiding behind a smartphone to destroy the reputation of others is over. This case serves as a notice to all who intend to post defamatory or false content: the law will find you,” he said.
The cleric has, in recent years, attracted public controversy over his views and engagements with armed bandits in the North-West.
Earlier in December, he stirred public reactions after describing the kidnapping of schoolchildren as a “lesser evil” compared to the killing of soldiers, a statement that drew widespread criticism.
He has also consistently argued that Nigeria’s insecurity cannot be resolved through military force alone, insisting that dialogue and negotiations remain essential.
“Even the military says that only about 25 per cent of the solution is kinetic action. The rest depends on government, politics and local communities. The military cannot do everything,” he said on a recent occasion.
The case has been adjourned to a later date for further proceedings.