Gumi’s Alleged Support for Banditry Raises Questions Over Anti-Terror Law Enforcement — Deji Adeyanju

Human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has argued that the provisions of Nigeria’s Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 extend beyond individuals who directly carry out terrorist attacks to include those accused of promoting, encouraging, or justifying terrorism through public statements and advocacy.

According to Adeyanju, Section 13 of the Act criminalises acts such as rendering support to terrorist groups, incitement, ideological encouragement, and public association with violent organisations, with penalties that could attract up to 20 years imprisonment.

He questioned what he described as a “double standard” in the treatment of Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi and separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu. Adeyanju noted that the Federal Government has consistently maintained that Kanu’s broadcasts and public remarks amounted to incitement and support for unlawful violence, forming part of the basis for his prosecution under anti-terrorism laws.

The activist contended that Gumi’s repeated public comments perceived as sympathetic to armed bandits and violent groups should also attract legal scrutiny under the same legislation if the law is to be applied fairly and without bias.

Adeyanju stressed that with the devastating impact of banditry and terrorism across Nigeria, including killings, mass displacement, and insecurity in several communities, anti-terrorism laws must be enforced equally regardless of ethnic, religious, or political considerations.