The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has launched a blistering attack on the Federal Government over what it described as “dangerous silence and double standards” surrounding controversial comments by Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, demanding his immediate investigation and possible prosecution under Nigeria’s anti-terrorism laws.

In a fiery statement issued on Saturday by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the rights group warned that Nigeria risks legitimising terrorism if influential figures accused of making statements perceived as sympathetic to bandits continue to escape scrutiny.

HURIWA said the nation was stunned by Gumi’s recent appearance on AIT on May 19, during which he reportedly urged Nigerians to “learn how to live with terrorists” while also suggesting that bandits depend on kidnapping proceeds to sustain their war against government forces.

The organisation described the remarks as reckless, provocative, insensitive, and potentially capable of emboldening violent criminal gangs that have turned large parts of Nigeria into killing fields.

According to HURIWA, at a time when communities are being sacked daily by armed groups, schoolchildren abducted, travellers kidnapped on highways, and farmers driven away from their lands, no public figure should make statements that appear to rationalise terrorism or portray mass murderers as unavoidable partners in coexistence.

The group backed calls earlier made by activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju for Gumi to face prosecution under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, insisting that the law clearly criminalises not only direct acts of terrorism but also support, encouragement, justification, or ideological sympathy capable of aiding terrorist operations.

HURIWA accused the Federal Government of operating a selective justice system, arguing that authorities have aggressively pursued separatist figures such as Nnamdi Kanu over alleged inflammatory broadcasts while allegedly overlooking repeated controversial comments linked to armed bandit groups in the North.

“The fight against terrorism cannot be selective. A nation that punishes one set of voices while shielding others destroys the moral foundation of justice and weakens public trust in the rule of law,” the group declared.

HURIWA further warned that failure to decisively address statements perceived as sympathetic to terrorists could send a dangerous signal that violent groups enjoy ideological protection from powerful interests.

The advocacy organisation said Nigerians are exhausted by bloodshed, mass abductions, and insecurity, stressing that leaders—especially religious leaders—must speak in ways that strengthen national unity and support security efforts rather than create ambiguity around terrorism.

The group therefore called on the Department of State Services, the Office of the National Security Adviser, and the Attorney-General of the Federation to immediately launch a comprehensive investigation into Gumi’s statements and determine whether criminal liability exists under extant laws.

HURIWA maintained that no democracy can survive where terrorism is normalised through rhetoric, defended through silence, or treated with political caution.