Prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmed Gumi, has dismissed claims circulating on social media that he was arrested by personnel of the United States Army in Nigeria.
The denial follows the spread of a viral image on Thursday, February 5, which allegedly showed Sheikh Gumi being apprehended by U.S. troops at a Nigerian airport. The image quickly gained traction online, sparking widespread speculation and debate.
Viral Claims Trigger Speculation
The controversy emerged shortly after reports that U.S. President Donald Trump approved the deployment of a small contingent of American troops to Nigeria to assist with counterterrorism operations. Some social media users linked the deployment to the viral image, claiming it was evidence of a foreign-led operation on Nigerian soil.
Further allegations suggested that Sheikh Gumi was intercepted while attempting to travel to Turkey, with claims—unsubstantiated—that the action was connected to suspected links with terrorist groups.
Gumi Rejects Allegations
In a telephone interview with SaharaReporters on Thursday, Sheikh Gumi categorically denied the reports, describing them as false and illogical.
“The U.S. Army cannot arrest me in Nigeria. Why would the U.S. Army come to arrest me in Nigeria, and for what reason?” he asked.
He also dismissed the viral image as fake, asserting that it was digitally generated.
“The image is artificial intelligence–generated. Even a layman can tell that it is not real,” he said.
Sheikh Gumi concluded by stating unequivocally that he had not been arrested.
Context and Public Reaction
Sheikh Gumi has been a controversial public figure in recent months, particularly due to his calls for dialogue with armed bandits, whom he has described as aggrieved individuals capable of embracing peace through negotiation. His comments on security issues and foreign military involvement in Nigeria have continued to draw strong and often polarizing reactions from the public.
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