By Gabriel Ameh
Human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has argued that controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, could face up to 20 years imprisonment under Nigeria’s anti-terrorism laws over alleged comments perceived as promoting or defending banditry.
Adeyanju, in a statement, cited provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, stressing that the law does not only punish individuals who directly engage in terrorist attacks, but also criminalises acts capable of encouraging, justifying, promoting, or supporting terrorism and terrorist groups.
According to him, Section 13 of the Act criminalises soliciting for, rendering support to, or associating with terrorist groups, with penalties that may extend to a minimum of 20 years imprisonment.
The activist maintained that support under the law goes beyond physical involvement in terrorism and includes incitement, ideological encouragement, public advocacy, dissemination of materials capable of advancing violent causes, as well as verbal or moral support for persons involved in acts of terror.
Adeyanju questioned what he described as a “double standard” in the treatment of Gumi and leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
He noted that the Federal Government has repeatedly argued that Kanu’s broadcasts and public remarks amounted to incitement and support for unlawful violence, which formed part of the basis for his prosecution under anti-terrorism laws.
He therefore argued that Gumi’s repeated public comments perceived as sympathetic to armed bandits and violent groups should equally attract legal scrutiny under the same law.
“In a country where terrorists and bandits have killed innocent citizens, displaced communities, and created widespread insecurity, the law must be applied fairly and equally, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliations,” Adeyanju stated.
