Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said that the Federal Government is currently Interrogating a controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, in respect of his statements in relation to the recent Kidnapping of over 280 pupils and teachers in Kaduna State.
The Minister, who was responding to questions from State House Correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting today, March 25, insisted that Sheikh Gumi cannot be above the law of the land.
The minister who denied the fact that ransom was paid to the kidnappers to set the kidnapped schoolchildren free, said that Gumi must be held accountable for his actions and statements.
According to him, the government’s position reflects a zero-tolerance policy towards negotiating with bandits and underscores the importance of upholding law and order in addressing security challenges.
“Government will stop at nothing to get any kind of information that is required to solve our problems the security agencies are up and doing. Sheik Gumi or any other individuals are not above the law, if he has suggestions that are good enough and that are constructive enough for the security agencies to take, they will take but if they think that he is also making some statements that appear to be reckless, he will also be reprimanded.
“There is nobody that is above the law. Let me put it here. And I’m aware that he has been also a guest of security agencies to answer questions. When you make remarks especially remarks that borders on our national security it is incumbent on our national security to think further and they are doing just that, no one is above the law.”
Gumi had offered to negotiate with the terrorists responsible for the Kidnapping of the Kaduna schoolchildren.
The Minister said that President Tinubu had directed that the kidnapped schoolchildre should be safely returned to their parents without any financial concessions to criminal elements.
“As promised by Mr. President, they have been rescued. No ransom was paid.”
He expressed President Tinubu’s gratitude to the National Security Adviser, Service Chiefs, and all those who played crucial roles in securing the students’ release.
Idris said that President Tinubu has charged security agencies to intensify efforts to halt the menace of kidnapping across the country.
“The Council was briefed on the School of children Kuriga Kaduna State, and Sokoto. Mr President and members of council were happy to note that as promised by Mr. President, these children were reunited or had been rescued from these captors and as usual and in keeping with the commitment of Mr. President no ransom was paid.
“The Federal Executive Council and Mr. President are very grateful to especially the National Security Adviser, the service chiefs and all security agents who participated diligently in ensuring that this kidnapped children are reunited with their families.
“Government is determined to ensure that the lives and property of all Nigerians are protected at all times and Mr. President has also charged security agencies to ensure that these kidnappings are brought to a halt finally in this country.
“Indeed, all those who are participating in this criminal act will be fished out by the security agencies and will never go unpunished.”
