They copied from him’: Sheikh Gumi says Evans taught bandits how to k!dnap Nigerians

‘They copied from him’: Sheikh Gumi says Evans taught bandits how to kidnap Nigerians

Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has claimed that bandits and other kidnappers in Nigeria copied the tactics of notorious billionaire kidnapper, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans.

Gumi stated this in a Facebook post on Friday while reacting to reports of the discovery of illegal arms manufacturing sites in Vom, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.

According to the cleric, Evans, who was arrested in 2017 for high-profile kidnappings in Lagos, became a model for other criminal groups across the country.

“Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike (commonly called “Evans”) – was the most infamous kidnapper in Nigeria’s history, especially in Lagos. He targeted wealthy individuals and demanded huge ransoms before his arrest in 2017. From him others copy,” Gumi wrote.

Sheikh Gumi has come under fire in recent times, especially regarding his call for negotiation with bandits whom he described as just an angry set of people who can be placated to drop their weapons and embrace peace.