Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, the controversial Islamic cleric, has insisted that terrorists are financing themselves through proceeds from kidnappings.

Gumi faulted the list of terrorist financiers released by the Federal Government, which included his closed ally, Tukur Mamu.

The Nigerian Intelligence Financial Unit, NFIU, had released a list of 15 financiers of terrorism, including nine individuals and six Bureau De Change, BDC, operators.

The list was entitled ‘Designation of Individuals and Entities for March 18, 2024’.

However, Gumi said security agents had no right to name anyone as a terrorist financier.

Speaking during a Twitter Space organised by Daily Trust, the Islamic scholar said: “These people are financing themselves by taking our children for ransom.

“Now they are looking for N1 billion for these children (kidnap victims) to be released. They (terrorists) financed themselves by kidnapping. I think it’s rubbish to just frame your political opponents as financing terrorism.”