Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, says he is open to leading appeals for the release of Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu on the condition that Kanu expresses remorse for his past actions and rhetoric.
Kanu is currently serving a conviction on seven terrorism charges handed down by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Speaking on The Morning Brief on Channels Television on Tuesday , Gumi argued that a shift in Kanu’s stance could pave the way for pardon efforts.
“This Kanu that was imprisoned for terrorism for agitating that our soldiers should be killed, if this same Kanu now will show remorse and also call for peace, honestly, I will be in the forefront in calling for his pardon and amnesty for him,” he said during Tuesday’s broadcast.
Gumi drew comparisons with past administrations that opted for reconciliation, saying: “Look, Shagari, our president, we are from the same town. Shagari gave amnesty to Ojukwu. Look at Umar Yar’Adua; he gave amnesty to the Niger Delta militants, who have also committed acts of terrorism. So, this is how we are.”
The cleric has consistently advocated for non-kinetic strategies in resolving Nigeria’s security crises, especially in the northern region. He questioned the insistence on the use of force when, according to him, some armed groups have indicated willingness to lay down their weapons.
“Even America could not succeed in Afghanistan, even Israel could not succeed in a small strip of land. Our army is not designed for the gorilla; no army is designed for the kind of people we are showing now, no army is designed for it,” he said.
Gumi also reiterated his claim that some armed groups, including Fulani herders, have responded to peace invitations—though often armed for what he described as “many reasons.” But he questioned whether similar dialogue is still possible with IPOB or Boko Haram.
“I think the former president has called for peace, and they came, but now it’s difficult to call for peace again. So, anybody who inclines to peace. I’m with him, I’m telling you,” he added.
His remarks come at a time of escalating insecurity nationwide, marked by the recent abduction of schoolchildren and worshippers in several states. While President Bola Tinubu has ordered security agencies to pursue the perpetrators, critics argue that the government’s response has been insufficient.
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