Popular Nollywood actor Imeh Bishop Umoh, famously known as Okon of Lagos, has publicly called on President Bola Tinubu to hold Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmed Gumi accountable over alleged support for terrorism.
In an open letter shared on Instagram, Umoh accused Gumi of being a “banditry apologist,” claiming that the cleric’s advocacy for negotiations with armed groups emboldens criminals rather than curbs violence.
Umoh wrote: “Sheikh Gumi is a proven banditry apologist. It’s visible to the blind and audible to the deaf that there is a huge deficiency, if not a total lack of courage, to investigate and prosecute him if found guilty of terrorism.”
The actor argued that a responsible government should never negotiate with terrorists, emphasizing that such leniency puts communities at risk.
Citing Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s hardline stance, Umoh added: “The only repentant terrorist is a dead one, and I totally agree. Keel them all! Save Nigeria!”
Umoh further highlighted the broader national implications, stressing that political considerations should not shield individuals from accountability: “Yes, there may be pressures from sacred cows, but at this point, does it matter? Let sacred cows be touched. Let heads roll. That’s not too much to ask for our roads and farmlands to be safe again, our communities livable, and our churches and worship centers protected.”
You May Like: Nnamdi Kanu Labels His Conviction Illegal, Cites Repealed Laws
He concluded his message with a direct appeal to President Tinubu, urging decisive action to restore security and stability: “Our country is near gone. Let’s save what remains of our already crumbling nation and restore it to its former glory. Mr. President, I know you can. I hope you will.”
This marks one of the most public interventions by a Nigerian entertainer in the ongoing national debate over terrorism, banditry, and the role of intermediaries in negotiating with armed groups.
