Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has condemned calls for the killing of repentant insurgents and secessionists, insisting that such actions violate both religious teachings and international law.
Gumi made the remarks in a Facebook post on Friday, days after the Senate urged the Federal Government to end the rehabilitation of repentant terrorists and instead prosecute anyone found guilty of terrorism and other related offences.
The cleric argued that executing repentant insurgents, secessionists or prisoners of war is morally wrong and contrary to both Islamic principles and international legal standards. He also cautioned that the International Criminal Court (ICC) is monitoring such actions, urging those involved to consider both legal and spiritual consequences.
According to Gumi, adopting the same methods as terrorist groups by killing perceived enemies only erodes morality and does not help in winning the fight against insecurity. He stressed that emotions should never determine decisions in conflict situations.
He said, “killing repentant Insurgents and secessionists is against religious and international law. So also prisoners of war. ICC is listening if you don’t fear Allah. Where is morality? It’s the same logic terrorists employ to kill all others besides them. Emotions don’t win a war.”
The Senate had, during Tuesday’s plenary, resolved that individuals found culpable of terrorism and other organised criminal offences should face immediate prosecution rather than rehabilitation. Lawmakers argued that justice must be seen to be done to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
The resolution formed part of broader measures adopted by the Senate to address the country’s worsening security challenges.
