Human rights lawyer and public interest advocate, Chief Malcolm Emokiniovo Omirhobo, has responded to a 24-hour ultimatum issued by Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, demanding the withdrawal of his recent public statement urging the Nigerian Government to investigate Gumi’s alleged consistent defence of terrorists.

In a statement issued on Friday, Omirhobo declared that he would not retract his remarks, insisting that his comments were lawful, factual, and protected under the Nigerian Constitution.

“For the avoidance of doubt, I state unequivocally that my statement is not defamatory but a constitutionally protected commentary made in the public interest,” he said. “I rely on verifiable facts and the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”

Omirhobo clarified that he did not label Sheikh Gumi a terrorist but merely called on relevant authorities to investigate the cleric’s public utterances and engagements with armed groups.

“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 explained.

The outspoken lawyer further stated that if Gumi believes he has been defamed, the matter should be resolved in court rather than through threats or ultimatums.

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

Reaffirming his stance, Omirhobo maintained that no individual, including clerics, is above the law and that defending or justifying terrorist actions constitutes a national security concern that must not be ignored.

“I stand by my statement. I refuse to retract it. No individual, cleric or otherwise, is above the law,” he said. “Defending, pacifying, or providing justification for terrorists who are killing Nigerians raises legitimate national security concerns that deserve investigation, not silence.”