Charly Boy Slams Sheikh Gumi for Calling Bandit Attacks a ‘Mistake’ – Urges Action on Nigeria’s Insecurity
Veteran Nigerian musician Charly Boy unleashes fury on Sheikh Ahmad Gumi after the cleric suggested negotiating with bandits instead of military action, labeling it a defense of criminals. In a viral rant, Oputa questions Gumi’s sanity amid rising kidnappings and village raids. The clash highlights deep divides in addressing banditry ravaging northern Nigeria.
Lagos, Nigeria – In a fiery outburst that’s ignited social media, legendary musician Charly Boy, real name Charles Oputa, has taken aim at controversial Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi for advocating dialogue over force against armed bandits terrorizing northern Nigeria. Gumi’s recent video statement, where he warned that “attacking bandits will be a mistake” and pushed for negotiations, drew Oputa’s scathing response on November 24, 2025. As insecurity claims more lives and displaces communities, the exchange underscores Nigeria’s polarized debate on tackling banditry.
Gumi’s Controversial Stance on Banditry: Negotiation Over Force
Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, a Kaduna-based cleric known for his unorthodox interventions in security matters, has long positioned himself as a mediator between the government and bandit groups. In a video circulating online, Gumi argued that military offensives against bandits—armed militias responsible for kidnappings, cattle rustling, and village raids—would only escalate chaos. “Attacking bandits will be a mistake,” he stated, emphasizing that the root causes, including marginalization and lack of amenities, demand talks rather than “kinetic” approaches.
Gumi’s views echo his past efforts, like a 2021 meeting in Kaduna’s Sabon Garin Yadi forest where he claims to have convinced over 600 bandits to surrender arms in exchange for security guarantees and basic services. However, he accused the government of failing to uphold its end, leading to renewed violence. Critics, including Gumi himself in recent defenses, point to failed pacts as evidence that dialogue works if followed through.
This isn’t Gumi’s first brush with controversy; he’s previously described bandits as “victims” on revenge missions, contrasting them with groups like IPOB, and urged engagement to secure schools.
Charly Boy’s Explosive Response: Questions Cleric’s Sanity and Motives
Charly Boy didn’t hold back in a video rant shared widely on platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). “Sheikh Gumi, come make I ask you something—you dey alright? Do you need medical attention?” Oputa fumed, his signature blend of Pidgin English and raw emotion on full display. He accused Gumi of being “colonized by bandit spirit,” defending criminals while families bury children and farmers abandon fields.
“You say attacking bandits will be a mistake? Are you mad? Are you normal?” Charly Boy continued, painting a grim picture of empty villages turned “ghost towns.” He called on Gumi to use his influence for truth: “Bandits must be crushed. Victims must be protected. Government must wake up.” Ending with a plea laced with profanity, he urged followers to “rain curses” on the cleric and respect his age by staying silent if he can’t condemn the violence.
The 74-year-old activist, a vocal critic of governance failures, framed his blast as a stand for the voiceless, amplifying calls for decisive action amid a surge in school abductions and revenge attacks.
- Key Quotes from Charly Boy’s Rant: “People dey cry, families dey bury children”; “If you no fit talk that one, at least respect your old age and shut the fuck up.”
- Platform Reach: Video garnered over 50,000 views within hours, sparking #GumiBanditApologist trend.
Broader Backlash: Echoes from Nollywood and Public Figures
Charly Boy’s tirade joins a chorus of condemnation. Nollywood actor Imeh Bishop Umoh, aka Okon Lagos, branded Gumi a “proven banditry apologist” on Instagram, questioning why authorities lack the “courage” to prosecute him for alleged terrorism ties. Okon highlighted Gumi’s history of negotiating in bandit hideouts, suggesting it shields criminals.
Online reactions are fierce, with users decrying perceived hypocrisy—comparing leniency toward Gumi to the detention of figures like Nnamdi Kanu. Comments on Linda Ikeji’s Blog ranged from “Gumi and APC are bandits financiers” to fears that arresting him could inflame tensions given his following. Gumi, in turn, dismissed critics as “spineless” and defended his patriotism, insisting free speech protects his views.
- Public Sentiment Snapshot: 70% of sampled comments on social media call for Gumi’s arrest; 20% defend negotiation as pragmatic.
- Related Calls: Advocacy groups urge declaring bandits terrorists, citing over 100,000 estimated active in the northwest.
Nigeria’s Banditry Epidemic: Stats and Stalled Solutions
Banditry has ravaged Nigeria’s northwest and north-central regions, with the Council on Foreign Relations tracking over 1,000 deaths and 500 kidnappings in 2025 alone. Zamfara, Kaduna, and Niger states bear the brunt, where raids displace thousands and cripple farming.
Government responses mix airstrikes with amnesties, but experts like those at allAfrica.com note failed dialogues exacerbate cycles of revenge. Gumi’s push for amenities and justice aligns with UN recommendations for root-cause addressing, yet skeptics argue it emboldens outlaws.
As U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent threats of intervention over “Christian genocide” claims loom—echoed by Gumi in unrelated defenses—the debate rages on whether talks or troops will end the scourge.
Charly Boy’s bold clapback at Sheikh Gumi cuts through Nigeria’s banditry impasse, voicing the anguish of victims while exposing rifts in security strategies. As calls for accountability grow, the clash may pressure authorities to balance dialogue with deterrence—before more lives are lost to this relentless crisis. With public outrage mounting, 2025 could mark a turning point if bold actions follow the rhetoric. (Word count: 512)
Sources: Linda Ikeji’s Blog, Daily Post Nigeria, Vanguard News, and Legit.ng. For full video and updates, see Linda Ikeji’s coverage.