‘Nobody Can Stop My Movement’: Sheikh Gumi Blasts Critics Over Ibadan Visit, Blames ‘Islamophobia’ for Banditry Backlash

​Controversial Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, has fiercely reacted to the wave of public outrage trailing his recent visit to Ibadan, Oyo State, declaring that no individual or group has the constitutional power to restrict his movement anywhere within Nigeria.

​Gumi’s outbursts come amid attempts by critics to link his past presence in the South-West to the recent upsurge in banditry, kidnappings, and terrorist activities in Oyo State—specifically the recent high-profile abduction in the Oriire Local Government Area. Dismissing the accusations as a “dirty” political smear campaign, the cleric claimed that both events are entirely unrelated and fueled by deep-seated regional sentiments.

​Driven by ‘Islamophobia’ and Local Politics

​In a strongly worded statement released on his official Facebook page, Sheikh Gumi clarified that his trip to Ibadan was not at the instance of any South-West Muslim figure or organization. Instead, he maintained he was executing a broader mandate.

​”I quite understand now how Islamophobia is shaping politics in SW and why I was unnecessarily dragged into their dirty local politics,” Gumi wrote. “I was in Ibadan not by the invitation of any SW Muslim individual or group, but as a representative of the Coalition of Northern Muslim Ulama. Can anybody stop me from going anywhere in Nigeria?”

​The controversy intensified following rumors that the bandits behind the Oriire school abduction had demanded the implementation of Sharia law in Oyo State as a condition for releasing their victims. However, the principal of Community High School, Esiele, Mrs. Rachael Alamu—who was among the abductees—subsequently debunked the claims in a viral video from captivity, clarifying that the kidnappers only demanded the release of their detained associates, not Sharia law or a ₦1 billion ransom. The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) also strongly condemned the Sharia rumor, labeling it a fabrication designed to tarnish Islam.

​’Stop Thinking Like Criminals’

​Sheikh Gumi alleged that local and international interest groups are actively collaborating to tarnish his reputation and exacerbate the country’s fragile fault lines. He cautioned Nigerians against falling into the trap of mutual suspicion, warning that prejudice plays directly into the hands of those wishing to divide the nation.

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​”Ethnic profiling, religious bigotry, and regional chauvinism are all symptoms of criminals,” Gumi asserted, counseling the public against adopting a criminal mindset.

​Drawing a historical parallel to defend his stance, Gumi argued against collective punishment and regional labeling. He reminded the nation that during the peak eras of notorious armed robbery and southern-based criminal syndicates, northern stakeholders did not generalize or brand every southerner as a criminal.

​The cleric concluded by calling for “cool heads” to step forward and educate the populace, asserting that many Nigerians remain naive, highly gullible, and easily manipulated by external forces bent on the balkanization of the country.