KADUNA, Nigeria — In a move that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s social media space, renowned Islamic scholar Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Abubakar Gumi has approached the Chief Magistrate Court in Kaduna to seek criminal action against two Facebook users accused of peddling death threats and defamatory content in his name.
Court papers sighted on Wednesday show that the case, marked Suit No: KMD/685/25, was filed on December 24, 2025, following what the cleric described as a “dangerous and wicked” online publication capable of endangering his life and reputation.
According to the complaint, the defendants — George Udom and Bello Isiaka — allegedly circulated a Facebook post on December 23, 2025, falsely attributing to Sheikh Gumi a chilling threat against Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa.
The post allegedly read that unless military operations against bandits were halted, the minister’s family in Zangon Kataf, Southern Kaduna, would be “eliminated.”
Sheikh Gumi, however, flatly denied authoring or endorsing such a statement, insisting that his name and image were maliciously weaponised to portray him as a sponsor of violence and a threat to national security.
“I Never Said This”
Through his lawyer, Suleiman Danlami Lere, Esq., the cleric told the court that the publication was not only false but reckless, capable of inciting public hatred, provoking security agencies, and exposing him to grave danger.
The application for criminal summons invokes multiple provisions of the Penal Code Law of Kaduna State (2017), with the complainant urging the court to compel the defendants to answer to charges bordering on criminal defamation, false publication and threats.
Law Meets Social Media
Legal experts say the case marks another significant test of accountability in Nigeria’s fast-growing but loosely regulated social media ecosystem, particularly platforms like Facebook, where impersonation and unverified claims can spread rapidly.
If found guilty, the defendants could face stiff penalties under Kaduna State law.
A Warning Shot
Sheikh Gumi stressed that as a religious leader known for preaching peace and dialogue, the alleged publication paints him as a “troublemaker” and places a target on his back.
In a strongly worded message, his legal team warned that the age of anonymous online attacks is drawing to a close.
“The era of hiding behind a smartphone to destroy the reputation of others is over. This case is a clear notice that the law will catch up with those who choose character assassination over truth,” the statement said.
As the matter heads to court, the case is already being viewed as a landmark moment — one that could redefine the boundaries between free speech, misinformation, and criminal liability in Nigeria’s digital public square.
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