Renowned Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has dragged two individuals before a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kaduna, seeking their prosecution over an alleged Facebook publication he described as defamatory and capable of triggering public unrest.
The cleric, in a criminal direct complaint filed at the Chief Magistrate Court sitting on Ibrahim Taiwo Road, Kaduna, accused the defendants, George Udom and Bello Isiaka, of conspiracy, attempted public disturbance and criminal defamation.
According to court documents, Gumi alleged that the defendants, on Tuesday between 7am and 10am, published a post tagged “Breaking News” on their respective Facebook pages, claiming that the family of the Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Musa, would be eliminated if military operations against bandits were not halted.
Gumi told the court that the statement was falsely attributed to him, noting that his photograph was allegedly used alongside the publication to give the impression that he authored and issued the threat.
He explained that shortly after the post circulated, he began receiving several phone calls from members of the public who believed he was behind the statement and was attempting to intimidate the Defence Minister in the discharge of his official duties.
The cleric said the publication portrayed him as a threat to public peace, contrary to his long-standing reputation as a religious leader known for preaching peace, dialogue and harmony within and outside Nigeria.
He further contended that the alleged post was capable of inciting public disorder in Kaduna State, particularly in the volatile Southern Kaduna axis, and could expose him to grave danger by presenting him as a prime suspect should any harm befall the Defence Minister’s family.
Gumi maintained that the actions of the defendants amounted to an attempt to cause public disturbance and criminal defamation of his character.
He added that the alleged offences contravened Sections 59, 57, 372, 116 and 117 of the Penal Code Law of Kaduna State, 2017.
The application, dated December 24, 2025, was filed by a team of lawyers led by Suleiman Lere, with the complainant urging the court to issue summons compelling the defendants to appear and answer to the allegations.
The court is yet to fix a date for the hearing of the matter.
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