Eliminating Repentant Bandits Against Religious, International Law — Gumi

Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has faulted calls for the execution of repentant insurgents and secessionists, describing such actions as a violation of religious teachings and international law.

He stated this in a Facebook post on Friday, days after the Senate called on the Federal Government to discontinue the rehabilitation of repentant terrorists and instead prosecute those found guilty of terrorism and other related offences.

Gumi argued that executing repentant insurgents, secessionists or prisoners of war is morally unjustifiable and contravenes both religious principles and international legal standards.

He also cautioned that the International Criminal Court (ICC) is monitoring developments, urging those advocating such actions to reflect on both their legal and religious obligations.

According to the cleric, adopting the same tactics used by terrorist groups by killing perceived enemies erodes moral authority and does not help in resolving conflict.

He stressed that decisions on national security should not be driven by emotions.

Gumi said, “Killing repentant Insurgents and secessionists is against religious and international law. So also prisoners of war. ICC is listening if you don’t fear Allah. Where is morality? It’s the same logic terrorists employ to kill all others besides them. Emotions don’t win a war.”

The Senate had, during plenary on Tuesday, resolved that individuals found culpable of terrorism and other organised criminal offences should be prosecuted without delay rather than rehabilitated, insisting that justice must be served to restore public confidence in the country’s criminal justice system.

The resolution formed part of the upper chamber’s recommendations aimed at tackling Nigeria’s worsening security challenges.