Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has threatened legal action against human rights lawyer, Malcolm Omirhobo, accusing him of defamation.

This was after Omirhobo called on authorities to arrest and prosecute Gumi for his opinion concerning terrorists and bandits in Nigeria.

In a statement on Thursday, the lawyer described Sheikh Gumi's actions as terrorism apology and contrary to the laws of the country.

He said, "It is deeply alarming that Sheikh Ahmad Gumi of Kaduna continues to publicly justify and defend terrorist criminals who are maiming, killing, kidnapping, raping, and displacing innocent Nigerians while describing them as 'listening and reasonable human beings' who should be pacified and not eliminated by force.

"His consistent public utterances, visits to terrorist camps, and advocacy on their behalf raise serious concerns regarding national security, complicity, and promotion of terrorism."

He then called on the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), and the National Assembly (Committees on Defence, Human Rights, and Judiciary) to immediately investigate, arrest if necessary, and prosecute Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, in accordance with the law.

"Silence in the face of bloodshed is complicity. Defending terrorists is not peace-building, it is aiding evil and undermining the Constitution of Nigeria," he said.

Reacting, Sheikh Gumi threatened legal action against Omirhobo if he failed to retract his statement and tender an apology.

He shared on Facebook, "Legal action against Chief Malcolm Emokiniovo Omirhobo. Chief Malcolm Emokiniovo Omirhobo should retract his defamatory allegations against me (Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Abubakar Gummi) and tender a reserved apology in another press release within 48 hours; otherwise, he would be charged in a court of law for defamation and intent to stir religious crisis in Nigeria."

ASA