Dispute Arises Between Husband and Islamic Cleric

In a troubling account shared during an interview with RFI Hausa, Nasiru Musa Idris has accused prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi of unlawfully holding his Moroccan wife against her will. Idris claims that approximately 11 months ago, he entrusted his wife to Gumi's counsel upon the cleric's request, believing in his expertise as a religious scholar. However, since that meeting, Idris alleges that his wife ceased all communication with him, prompting him to seek assistance from security agencies, only to encounter obstacles in his quest for help.

Idris articulated his despair, stating, "For 11 months now, my wife has been in his hands through injustice and ill-treatment. He has no relationship with her; she had never known him. The only place they knew each other was through me." In stark contrast, Gumi has refuted these claims, asserting that the Moroccan woman has left Nigeria and is currently residing with her parents in Morocco.

Legal Proceedings and Allegations of Defamation

In response to the allegations, Gumi has opted not to delve into specifics, citing that the dispute is under judicial review. He has expressed intentions to pursue legal action against Idris for defamation, asserting, "I will take him to court for defamation against me. As for the issue of the girl, she has already left Nigeria and she is in Morocco happily with her parents." Idris, however, maintains that he initially introduced his wife to Gumi, emphasizing that she had no prior acquaintances in Nigeria, as their marriage was conducted with her parents' blessings and the necessary legal documentation.

Idris further alleges that tensions escalated after Gumi insisted he obtain an additional marriage certificate from a Sharia Court, despite having valid marriage documents from both Morocco and Nigeria, which he presented in support of his case. He has urged Gumi to comply with a police invitation for investigation, stating, "My complaint is that he should come forward and answer the invitation of the police so that an investigation can be conducted. If he is right, there is nothing stopping him from going to the authorities to clear his name." In a turn of events, Gumi's assistant, Malam Nasiru Ayuba, contested Idris's claims, suggesting that it was the woman who approached Gumi seeking assistance with personal issues, thereby asserting that the cleric did not confine her against her will.

As reported by saharareporters.com.