Renowned Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, has denied being invited by the Department of State Service (DSS).
Peter Afunanya, DSS spokesman, had said the scholar was invited by the agency.
“Sheikh Gumi was invited by the Service. It’s not out of place for the Service to invite any person of interest,” he had told Daily Trust.
Read Also: DSS Quizzes Sheikh Gumi Over Comments On Security Agents’ Collusion With Bandits Attack On Citizens
Read Also: Nigerian Army hits back at Sheik Gumi over accusation of conniving with criminals
Read Also: VIDEO: Don’t Compare Herdsmen to IPOB; Herdsmen Kidnap, IPOB Kills – Sheik Gumi
Gumi, who said nobody invited him, described the report as the handiwork of those eager to see him arrested, Daily Trust reports.
The revered scholar also explained that before embarking on any mission into the forest where he has continued to engage with bandits, he usually involves security agencies, district heads and government officials adding that they work together before going on the mission.
“Nobody invited me. it’s the media that is trying to cause confusion but they will not succeed God willing. We are in contact with the heads of security but I was not invited,” he said.
Gumi who acknowledged he was aware of the circulating report of his invitation by the DSS said: “Yes I read it but I was just laughing. I said they should be allowed to be happy over what they think is my downfall but it’s a lie, I was not invited.”
VOA’s Hausa Service had quoted Gumi’s spokesman, Tukur Mamu, as saying the Sheikh was invited to the DSS office in Kaduna.