By Erewunmi Peace

Human rights lawyer Malcolm Emokiniovo Omirhobo has declared that he will not retract his comments about Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, following a defamation threat from the cleric.

Sheikh Gumi, known for his controversial public statements on banditry and national security, recently demanded that Omirhobo withdraw his alleged defamatory remarks or face legal action.

In response, Omirhobo maintained that his statements were made in the public interest and do not amount to defamation. He challenged the cleric to pursue the matter in court if he believes otherwise.

“I did not defame you, Sheikh Gumi. Let’s meet in court,” Omirhobo said in a statement made available to the press.

The lawyer explained that his previous comments were not personal attacks but a call for authorities to investigate Gumi’s public utterances, which, according to him, appear to justify or defend terrorist activities in Northern Nigeria.

The controversy stems from Gumi’s past remarks urging dialogue with armed bandit groups, a position that has attracted widespread criticism and allegations of sympathizing with terrorists. The cleric, however, insists that his advocacy for negotiation is aimed at achieving lasting peace and ending bloodshed.

As of the time of this report, no formal court proceedings have been publicly confirmed regarding Gumi’s defamation claim or Omirhobo’s defence.