Human rights lawyer Malcolm Omirhobo has reacted to a 24-hour ultimatum issued by Sheikh Ahmad Gumi demanding that he retract his public statement calling on the Nigerian Government to investigate the Islamic cleric's consistent public defence of terrorists.

According to him, his statement is not defamatory but a constitutionally protected commentary made in the public interest, relying on verifiable facts and the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

"I did not accuse Sheikh Gumi of being a terrorist. I only called on the appropriate authorities to investigate his public utterances, engagements, and advocacy on behalf of armed terrorists, which is a lawful civic duty under Sections 14, 24, and 45 of the Constitution," he said in a statement.

Omirhobo said if Sheikh Gumi believes he has been defamed, the proper forum is a court of competent jurisdiction, not intimidation through threats or ultimatums.

"I stand by my statement. I refuse to retract it. No individual, cleric or otherwise, is above the law.

"I reaffirm that defending, pacifying, or providing justification for terrorists who are killing Nigerians raises legitimate national security concerns that deserve investigation, not silence," the lawyer said.

ASA