A former ally of President Muhammadu Buhari, Buba Galadima, has dismissed calls for the arrest of Kaduna-based Islami cleric, Sheik Ahmad Gumi, over his connection with bandit terrorists.
In an interview with Vanguard at the weekend, Galadima stated that Gumi has not committed any offence that warrants his arrest, adding that the prominent cleric is not a terrorist.
He also demanded the arrest of Igbo leaders that met with President Buhari at the Presidential Villa to request for the release of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Galadima accused the Igbo leaders of promoting IPOB activities and having a connection with the outlawed group.
When asked if he knows that Gumi is linked with bandits, Galadima said: “Do you mean that there are people who don’t know IPOB? How about those who went to the President to request the release of Nnamdi Kanu who is the professed leader of IPOB? Why didn’t they arrest those people if you are arresting Sheik Gumi?
Sheikh Gumi discussing with bandits (File Photo)
Asked if he was comparing bandits with IPOB, he said: “I am not comparing them because IPOB is a known organization, they have leaders who are known, they have account numbers and people are even paying into the bank account abroad and inside Nigeria to facilitate their activity. Is there any bandit with a bank account that you know?
So, I am not comparing bandits with IPOB because IPOB is known while the other is faceless but their actions may be similar. Bandits have no known bank account.
IPOB is not chasing away people from their homes and communities and occupying them like bandits are doing in Southern Kaduna and other parts of the North.“
This article was originally published on Naija News