Nnamdi Kanu Convicted While Sheikh Gumi Walks Freely
Lawyer and political analyst Malcolm Emokiniovo Omirhobo has condemned the life imprisonment of IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, arguing that it exposes a troubling two-tier justice system in Nigeria—one that harshly punishes some while allowing others who commit equal or more serious offences to go unpunished.
Omirhobo contrasted Kanu’s treatment with that of Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, who openly engages with armed bandit groups, negotiates with terrorists, issues inflammatory public statements, and positions himself as their public advocate, yet continues to move freely without police intervention.
“This contradiction is not only morally indefensible; it is unconstitutional,” Omirhobo said, citing Sections 17, 36, and 42 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee equality before the law, equal protection for all citizens, and freedom from discrimination in law enforcement.
In a statement he personally signed, Omirhobo highlighted the stark disparity: “This is not rule of law. This is rule by selective discretion. Nnamdi Kanu: accused of making inflammatory broadcasts; charged, tried, and convicted; arrested through extraordinary rendition; denied consistent access to justice for years. Sheikh Ahmad Gumi: enters terrorist camps freely; meets armed criminals responsible for mass killings and kidnappings; publicly defends them; undermines national security repeatedly. ZERO arrest. ZERO prosecution. ZERO accountability.”
He argued that if broadcasts could be deemed terrorism, then Gumi’s direct engagement with armed groups constitutes far more serious offences. “Nigeria cannot claim to be fighting terrorism while pampering individuals who openly engage with terrorists. Justice must not only be done; it must be seen to be done. In this case, it is clearly not seen,” Omirhobo said.
The lawyer called on the Federal Government, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force to apply the law uniformly, irrespective of ethnicity, religion, region, or political affiliation.
“Investigate Sheikh Ahmad Gumi for his open engagement with terror groups. End the culture of selective prosecution that has become the hallmark of governance. Restore public confidence in the justice system by demonstrating fairness and impartiality,” Omirhobo urged.
He concluded: “A nation cannot claim to be fighting insecurity while protecting those who fraternise with the authors of national sorrow. The conviction of Nnamdi Kanu while Sheikh Gumi remains untouched is a glaring example of double standards. Until the Nigerian state demonstrates that the law is blind to religion and ethnicity, its fight against insecurity will remain compromised. Justice must be equal. Justice must be uniform. Justice must be blind. Anything less is injustice.”