Sheik Ahmad Gumi, a well-known Islamic cleric, has commented on the current situation concerning Mallam Tukur Mamu, a publisher from Kaduna who has been detained since his detention in Cairo, Egypt, in September 2022.
Remember that Mamu, who is regarded as a middleman between bandits and victims who have been abducted, was recently added to a list of 14 people who finance terrorism.
Speaking during a Twitter Spaces session organized by Daily Trust, Sheik Gumi expressed his concerns about the handling of Mamu’s case by security agencies. He emphasized that it is the court’s role, not the security agencies’, to determine guilt or innocence in such matters. Gumi urged for a fair trial and criticized what he termed as “media trial” of Mamu, stressing that judgments should not be made in the public domain before a court verdict is reached.
The cleric highlighted the importance of due process and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. He called for concrete evidence to be presented in court rather than relying on speculation and accusations in the media. Gumi also defended Mamu, suggesting that the arrest may have been a result of misunderstanding between Mamu and the authorities.
Gumi reiterated his stance on justice and fairness, stating that if Mamu is acquitted, he should have the opportunity to clear his name and seek legal recourse for any damages caused by the accusations. He emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in the legal process, urging authorities to uphold the rule of law.
The cleric criticized what he perceived as unjust actions by the government, including arbitrary arrests and intimidation tactics. He called for an end to such practices and emphasized the importance of a just and transparent legal system.
Sheikh Gumi Said; “I am a public figure; many people come to me. The good, the bad, the ugly. As a preacher, I cannot send anybody away, no matter how bad. If you ask, especially pastors, armed robbers come to them and confess but they cannot still take them to the authorities. What I know of Mamu and his arrest is a misunderstanding between him and the committee that was supposed to deal with the release of some victims. But since the case is in court, we hope the court will be just to him. That is what we wanted all along; take him to court. Instead of incarcerating someone and leveling phantom allegations against him. Bring your proofs, And if Mamu is found guilty, he should have full fledged punishment. But as of what I know, let’s wait for the court.”.
