The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has launched a fierce attack on the Federal Government over what it described as “dangerous silence and double standards” regarding controversial comments allegedly made by Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi, demanding his immediate investigation and possible prosecution under Nigeria’s anti-terrorism laws.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Saturday, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, warned that Nigeria risks legitimising terrorism if influential figures accused of making remarks perceived as sympathetic to bandits continue to evade scrutiny.
The rights group said Nigerians were shocked by Gumi’s recent appearance on AIT on May 19, during which he reportedly urged citizens to “learn how to live with terrorists” while suggesting that bandits rely on kidnapping proceeds to sustain their war against government forces.
HURIWA described the comments as reckless, provocative, insensitive, and potentially capable of emboldening armed criminal groups that have continued to unleash terror across several parts of the country.
According to the group, at a time when communities are being overrun by armed gangs, schoolchildren abducted, travellers kidnapped on highways, and farmers displaced from their lands, no public figure should make statements that appear to rationalise terrorism or portray violent groups as inevitable partners in coexistence.
The advocacy organisation backed earlier calls by activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju for Gumi to face prosecution under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, insisting that the law criminalises not only direct acts of terrorism but also support, encouragement, justification, or ideological sympathy capable of aiding terrorist operations.
HURIWA further accused the Federal Government of operating a selective justice system, arguing that authorities have aggressively pursued separatist figures such as Nnamdi Kanu over alleged inflammatory broadcasts while allegedly overlooking repeated controversial statements linked to armed bandit groups in Northern Nigeria.
“The fight against terrorism cannot be selective. A nation that punishes one set of voices while shielding others destroys the moral foundation of justice and weakens public trust in the rule of law,” the group declared.
HURIWA warned that failure to decisively address statements perceived as sympathetic to terrorists could send a dangerous signal that violent groups enjoy ideological protection from powerful interests.
The organisation said Nigerians were exhausted by bloodshed, mass abductions, and worsening insecurity, stressing that leaders—especially religious leaders—must speak in ways that strengthen national unity and support security efforts rather than create ambiguity around terrorism.
The group consequently called on the Department of State Services, the Office of the National Security Adviser, and the Attorney-General of the Federation to immediately launch a comprehensive investigation into Gumi’s comments and determine whether criminal liability exists under extant laws.
HURIWA maintained that no democracy can survive where terrorism is normalised through rhetoric, defended through silence, or treated with political caution.
HURIWA Blasts FG Over ‘Dangerous Silence’ on Gumi, Demands Arrest, Terror Probe
