Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has denied claims that he was targeted for assassination by a United States airstrike in Nigeria, describing the reports as false.

The controversy arose after a video circulated online suggesting that Gumi had been marked for elimination by the US. Speaking on Facebook, he clarified, “There is fake news going viral now that wrongly claims that I said I was targeted by the US attack on Nigerian soil, or something to that effect. I never said so, and I also never thought of such a possibility. I am comfortably staying in my home with my family without fear, intimidation, or apprehension.”

Gumi explained that the confusion likely stemmed from a lecture he gave at a mosque, where he recounted a 2012 attempt on his life by Boko Haram extremists. “In August 2012, I was told that Boko Haram had targeted me for elimination. The two people who came to execute the plan were killed instantly when the bomb detonated in their hands near my house,” he said.

He called on media outlets that reported the claims to issue retractions and apologise, adding, “I advise all news agencies that reported the fake news to publicly retract it and tender their apologies.”

The cleric emphasized that he is safe, living with his family without fear, and urged the public and the media to ignore the false reports.