Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has opposed calls for the execution of repentant terrorists, secessionists and prisoners of war, insisting that such actions are contrary to both religious teachings and international law.
Gumi made the remarks on Friday while reacting to the Nigerian Senate’s recent resolution urging the Federal Government to end the rehabilitation of repentant terrorists and instead prosecute those found guilty of terrorism and other organised criminal offences.
The Senate had adopted the resolution during Tuesday’s plenary as part of efforts to address Nigeria’s growing security challenges. Lawmakers argued that prosecuting offenders, rather than rehabilitating them, would strengthen public confidence in the country’s criminal justice system and promote accountability.
Responding in a post on his Facebook page, Gumi maintained that individuals who have genuinely repented or are regarded as prisoners of war should not be executed, stressing that both Islamic principles and international humanitarian law prohibit the killing of people who have surrendered or are no longer participating in hostilities.
He also warned that the International Criminal Court (ICC) monitors actions that could amount to violations of international law, urging Nigerians and government authorities to consider both legal and moral consequences before advocating the execution of repentant insurgents.
According to the cleric, the battle against terrorism should not be driven by anger or revenge, arguing that governments must uphold justice and the rule of law even while confronting violent extremism.
Gumi said adopting the same methods used by terrorist groups would weaken the moral authority of those fighting insurgency.
“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,” he wrote.
The Islamic scholar has consistently advocated dialogue and rehabilitation as part of efforts to tackle insecurity in Nigeria, a position that has attracted both support and criticism.
Supporters of the deradicalisation programme argue that offering rehabilitation can encourage insurgents to surrender and reintegrate into society, while critics insist that those responsible for acts of terrorism should first face prosecution to ensure justice for victims.
The debate over the Federal Government’s rehabilitation policy has remained one of the most divisive issues in Nigeria’s counterterrorism strategy, with many stakeholders calling for an approach that balances national security, justice for victims and compliance with both domestic and international legal standards. The Senate’s latest resolution has further intensified discussions on the best path to ending insurgency and restoring lasting peace across the country.
