Gumi faces possible 20-year jail under terrorism law — Adeyanju

Human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has said Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi could face up to 20 years imprisonment under Nigeria’s terrorism law over comments allegedly seen as promoting violent groups.

Adeyanju stated that the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 goes beyond punishing those who carry out attacks, extending to individuals whose words or actions may encourage, justify, or support terrorism.

According to him, the law broadly defines support to include incitement, ideological backing, public advocacy, and dissemination of materials capable of advancing violent causes, even without direct involvement in attacks.

He cited Section 13 of the Act, which criminalises soliciting, aiding, or associating with terrorist groups, noting that offenders risk a minimum of 20 years imprisonment upon conviction.

Adeyanju argued that the provisions of the law have sparked concerns about possible double standards, particularly when compared with the prosecution of Nnamdi Kanu.

He noted that the Federal Government has previously maintained that Kanu’s broadcasts and public statements amounted to incitement and support for violence, forming part of the basis for his trial under anti-terrorism laws.

The activist, therefore, said similar scrutiny should apply to any public figure whose statements could be interpreted as sympathetic to armed groups.

“In a country facing widespread insecurity, the law must be applied without bias, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation,” Adeyanju said.

He stressed that equal enforcement of the law is essential to maintaining public trust and addressing the threat posed by terrorism and banditry across the country.