Nigerian entertainer and activist, Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charley Boy, has strongly criticised Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi over his recent statement advising the government against launching military attacks on bandits.
Gumi had asserted that confronting the armed groups with force would be “a mistake,” insisting that negotiation and dialogue remain the better approach. His comments have since sparked outrage on social media.
Reacting in a fiery post, Charley Boy condemned the cleric’s repeated defence of dialogue with bandits despite the rising number of killings, kidnappings and widespread displacement in parts of northern Nigeria.
He accused Gumi of downplaying the suffering of victims and consistently presenting arguments that appear sympathetic to criminal elements. According to him, Nigerians have endured enough violence, and public figures should stop making statements that could embolden attackers.
Charley Boy called on national leaders, including religious figures, to use their influence to demand firm action against terrorists and greater protection for citizens.
He said any commentary that appears to excuse criminal acts only contributes to Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
