Renowned Nigerian Islamic cleric, Sheik Ahmad Gumi, has vehemently opposed the Department of State Services’ (DSS) classification of his associate, Mallam Tukur Mamu, as a terrorist financier.
In a recent development, the Federal Government issued a list identifying 15 entities, including individuals and Bureau De Change operators, allegedly involved in financing terrorism. Among those listed is Kaduna-based publisher Tukur Mamu.
Mamu, who has been in DSS custody since his arrest in Cairo, Egypt, in September 2022, faces accusations of aiding terrorists responsible for the Abuja-Kaduna train attack in March 2022. He was apprehended alongside his family members while en route to Saudi Arabia for the lesser Hajj.
Speaking at a forum hosted by Daily Trust, Sheik Ahmad Gumi emphasized the importance of refraining from allowing security agencies to label individuals as terrorist financiers, especially when legal proceedings are underway.
Despite facing charges related to terrorism financing in a Federal High Court in Abuja, Mamu has consistently maintained his innocence.
Sheik Gumi described the situation involving Mamu and the security agency as a misunderstanding, urging patience until the court renders its verdict.
“Mamu’s case is sub judice. Let’s await the court’s decision. Engaging in a media trial is inappropriate. We must allow the court to determine whether he is a financier or not. If acquitted, Mamu may pursue a case for libel.
“Who has the authority to label someone a terrorist financier? Is it the judiciary or a security agency? Security agencies lack the jurisdiction to designate individuals as terrorist financiers. With the case already before the court, why resort to trial by media? When a matter is before the court, we should respect the legal process and await its judgment,” remarked the Islamic scholar.