Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has alleged that the United States deliberately used a Nigerian narrative to mask its own interests, following claims of Christian genocide in the country.
Gumi’s remarks came in response to comments by former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, who reacted to a New York Times report questioning the source of the genocide claims.
According to the report, the allegation of widespread killings of Christians in Nigeria was traced to an individual identified as Emeka, an Onitsha-based screwdriver trader. Emeka was reportedly described as running a small non-governmental organisation and allegedly made unsubstantiated claims that he had recorded “125 thousand Christian deaths” through “google searches.”
Taking to X on Sunday, the 18th of January, 2026, Sani expressed outrage over the revelation, writing: “It’s unfortunate and tragic to read the New York Times report that the claim of ‘Christian Genocide’ was sourced from one Emeka, an Onitcha based Screwdriver Trader and ‘operator of a small NGO’ who falsely claimed to have documented “125 thousand Christian deaths” using “google searches.”
“How such an unverified claim could tensed up the US lawmakers, President and the intelligence community,that led to an airstrikes is one of the most foolish and comical historical events in our lifetime.This is shameful.”
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Reacting to the development, Sheikh Gumi dismissed the idea that the United States acted out of ignorance, insisting that its intelligence apparatus was fully aware of the situation.
In a post on Facebook, Gumi stated: “US intelligence is not stupid. They know everything, but wanted a Nigerian cover for their interest.”
The controversy followed reports that the allegation of Christian genocide in Nigeria influenced former US President, Donald Trump, to order military airstrikes in Sokoto State.