Nigerian entertainer and activist, Charles Oputa, widely known as Charly Boy, has publicly criticized controversial Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmed Gumi for advocating dialogue with bandits instead of military action.
The cleric recently stated that confronting bandits could escalate insecurity, suggesting that authorities should consider negotiating with them. Charly Boy, reacting on Instagram, strongly rejected this view, condemning Gumi for appearing to defend criminals while the country suffers.
In his post, Charly Boy painted a grim picture of the consequences of banditry, highlighting the loss of lives, abandoned farms, and ghost towns in affected communities. He questioned why anyone would advocate for dialogue or amnesty for perpetrators while victims continue to suffer.
“People are grieving, families are burying their children, and entire villages are empty. And here you are, speaking up for the criminals? What is wrong with you?” he wrote.
Charly Boy accused Sheikh Gumi of acting as a “public relations officer” for bandits, claiming his words amplify confusion rather than promote peace. He urged the cleric to reconsider his stance, insisting that leaders and influential figures who excuse violence under the guise of negotiation are part of the problem.
“Any leader, cleric, or elder using dialogue as an excuse to pamper killers is complicit in the crisis. If it were your family being attacked, you wouldn’t preach patience—you’d demand action,” he added.
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The entertainer concluded his post by calling on the government to take decisive action and protect victims, while warning Gumi to stop defending what he described as evil.
“Bandits must be stopped. Victims must be protected. Government must act. If you cannot speak this truth, at least stay silent,” Charly Boy said.
