Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has raised objections to the list released by the Federal Government implicating several entities in terrorism financing within Nigeria.
The government recently disclosed the identities of 15 entities, comprising nine individuals and six Bureau De Change operators and firms, allegedly involved in financing terrorism.
The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit shared details of the revelation, highlighting a meeting of the Nigeria Sanctions Committee on March 18, 2024.
Among those listed was Tukur Mamu, an associate of Gumi and a Kaduna-based publisher facing charges for allegedly aiding terrorists responsible for the Abuja-Kaduna train attack in March 2022.
However, Sheikh Gumi took to Twitter to express his disagreement with the allegations, asserting that Nigerians wouldn’t fund terrorism, contending that terrorist operations are sustained through ransom payments extracted from kidnapped victims’ families.
“No Nigerian will put his money into terrorism, we’re beyond that. These people are financing themselves by taking our children for ransom.
“So, how can we say some people are financing terrorism because there is a misunderstanding between them?” the cleric said.
He added, “Now they are looking for N1 billion for these children (kidnap victims) to be released. They (terrorists) financed themselves by kidnapping. I think it’s rubbish to just frame your political opponents as financing terrorism.”
Regarding Mamu’s case, Gumi advocated for a fair trial and cautioned against prejudgment, urging for patience until the court delivers its verdict. He questioned the authority of security agencies to declare individuals as terrorist financiers, insisting on adherence to legal procedures.
“Mamu’s case is in the court. Let’s wait to hear from the court. It’s wrong to resort to media trial. Let’s wait for the court to state if he is a financier or not. I think if he is acquitted, he has a strong case to make on libel.
“Who declares someone a terrorist financer? Is it the court of law or a security agency? The security agency has no right to declare anyone a terrorist financier. The case is already in court, so why are they judging him on the pages of the newspaper? Once a case is in court, you allow the court to decide,” he added.