‘I Won’t Apologize, Let’s Meet in Court’ — Lawyer Omirhobo Dares Sheikh Gumi Over Defamation Threat

Human rights lawyer, Malcolm Emokiniovo Omirhobo, has dared Kaduna-based Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi to take him to court, refusing to apologise or withdraw his earlier comments calling for Gumi’s investigation over alleged links to statements about bandits.

Omirhobo, in a statement shared on his official Facebook page on Friday titled “Sheikh Gumi, I Did Not Defame You—Let’s Meet in Court,” said he stood by his words and would not retract them, describing his comments as constitutionally protected and made in the national interest.

“For the avoidance of doubt, my statement is not defamatory. It is a constitutionally protected comment made in national interest, based on facts and the law,” he said.

The lawyer clarified that he never branded Gumi a terrorist, but only urged the authorities to investigate the cleric’s public utterances and interactions, which he believes could raise national security concerns.

“I did not accuse Sheikh Gumi of being a terrorist. I only urged the authorities to look into his public utterances and engagements that seem to defend or justify the actions of terrorists,” Omirhobo explained.

Gumi had earlier issued a 24-hour ultimatum demanding an apology and withdrawal of Omirhobo’s comments or face legal action. But the outspoken lawyer dismissed the threat, insisting that if Gumi felt defamed, the proper place to prove it was in court.

“If Sheikh Gumi believes I defamed him, the right place to prove it is in court, not through intimidation,” he said.

Reiterating his stance, Omirhobo stressed that no individual is above the law, regardless of religious or social standing.

“I stand by my statement. I won’t take it back. No individual, cleric or otherwise, is above the law,” he maintained.

He further called on the government to take seriously any remarks that appear to excuse or justify terrorism, warning that such actions threaten national security.

“Anyone who defends or justifies the actions of terrorists is raising serious national security concerns that deserve investigation,” Omirhobo added.