Sheikh Gumi challenges DSS jurisdiction over Tukur Mamu’s terrorist funding allegations

Renowned Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has openly contested the jurisdiction of the Department of State Services (DSS) in branding Tukur Mamu, an associate, as a financier of terrorism.

This statement follows the recent disclosure by the Federal Government of Nigeria regarding individuals and entities allegedly involved in funding terrorist activities.

The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) unveiled details surrounding this issue, indicating a gathering held on March 18, 2024, where specific individuals and businesses were identified for sanctions due to their suspected involvement in financing terrorism. Among these individuals is Tukur Mamu, a prominent figure from Kaduna.

Mamu’s situation is compounded by his detention since September 2022, following his arrest in Cairo, Egypt. Currently facing trial before the Federal Government, he stands accused of aiding terrorists responsible for the Abuja-Kaduna train attack in March 2022. His arrest occurred while travelling with family members to Saudi Arabia for a religious pilgrimage.

During a recent forum hosted by Daily Trust, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi raised concerns over granting security agencies the power to designate individuals as terrorist financiers, especially amidst ongoing legal proceedings. Despite facing allegations, Mamu maintains his innocence.

Sheikh Gumi refrained from delving further into the matter, citing ongoing legal proceedings. He emphasized the importance of allowing the courts to determine Mamu’s culpability, rather than engaging in media trials.

“Mamu’s case is in court. Let’s wait to hear from the court. It’s wrong to resort to a media trial. Let’s wait for the court to state whether he is a financier or not. I think if he is acquitted, he has a strong case to make on libel.

“Who declares someone a terrorist financer? Is it the court of law or a security agency? The security agency has no right to declare anyone a terrorist financier. The case is already in court, so why are they judging him on the pages of the newspaper? Once a case is in court, you allow the court to decide,” The Islamic scholar noted.

In response to questions linking him to the controversy, Sheikh Gumi clarified his stance, stating his role as a public figure entails engaging with diverse individuals, regardless of their backgrounds. He maintained that Mamu’s case stemmed from a misunderstanding with a committee tasked with aiding terror attack victims.

“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 for him.

“That is what we wanted all along; take him to court. Instead of incarcerating someone and levelling phantom allegations against him. Bring your proof, And if Mamu is found guilty, he should have full-fledged punishment. But as of what I know, let’s wait for the court.”

Expressing optimism for a fair trial, Sheikh Gumi urged authorities to present evidence in court rather than resorting to unjust incarcerations. He underscored the need for Mamu’s case to proceed transparently, stressing the importance of upholding justice.

Amidst Mamu’s detention, Sheikh Gumi reiterated his belief in Mamu’s innocence, highlighting the challenges faced by innocent individuals in navigating unjust legal processes. He urged authorities to expedite legal proceedings and ensure fairness for Mamu and others facing similar situations.

“Take him to court to face trial. Keeping him in custody despite being a family man was just to intimidate him. This intimidation is also terrorism. Arresting people unjustly is also terrorism; just like the terrorists do by going to somebody’s house to kidnap him.

“How can we continue in this situation under a government that is about to wind up? Our hope is for them to finish successfully not in a bad light. It’s not about Tukur Mamu, you all know that whenever they arrest innocent people, I always talk, not to talk of someone that I know and I’m only advising the government to release him so that we can apologize to him to forget what happened,” Sheik Gumi had said