Prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmed Gumi has dismissed viral reports claiming he was arrested by United States military operatives in Nigeria, describing the circulating image as AI-generated and fake.
The speculation erupted after a photograph surfaced online on Thursday, February 5, allegedly showing Gumi being detained by US soldiers at an airport.
Gumi: “The US Army Cannot Arrest Me in Nigeria”
Reacting to the viral claims, Gumi described the story as illogical.
“The US Army cannot arrest me in Nigeria, why will the US army come and arrest me in Nigeria, for what reason?” he said.
Calls Viral Photo AI Fabrication
The cleric insisted the widely shared image was digitally created.
“The image is Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated. Even a layman will know that the image is AI,” Gumi stated.
“I Have Not Been Arrested”
Gumi clearly denied the allegation, stressing that he remains free in Nigeria.
“I have not been arrested,” he said.
What the Viral Claim Alleged
The fake report claimed Gumi was arrested at a Nigerian airport while allegedly trying to travel to Turkey, alongside unverified accusations linking him to terrorist groups.
Gumi has now rejected the entire narrative as false and misleading.
Related: Obasanjo: Nigerians Can Seek International Help If Government Fails to Protect Them
