When Abdulrahaman Ahmad, son of Kaduna cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, graduated from the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), one would expect it to be a proud family moment.
Instead, the achievement has sparked a storm of debate on social media after former senator Shehu Sani posted a photograph of the new officer with his father, congratulating him.
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The post quickly divided opinion. Some Nigerians praised the milestone, but others questioned whether the son of one of the country’s most controversial religious figures should serve in the military. The reactions expose a broader dilemma: can children escape the shadow of their parents’ reputation?
Gumi is no stranger to controversy. A former army captain and trained doctor, he rose to national prominence as an Islamic scholar and mediator in Nigeria’s worsening banditry crisis.
In recent years, he has courted criticism for holding dialogue with armed groups in the North West. Supporters say he has helped secure the release of kidnap victims and opened channels for negotiation. Detractors accuse him of legitimising criminals by echoing their grievances and portraying them as neglected citizens. His comments have at times drawn the attention of security agencies, further fuelling public suspicion.
Against this backdrop, his son’s entry into the armed forces was bound to stir reactions.
Online Reactions
After Sani’s congratulatory post, some Nigerians accused the government of planting Gumi’s family in the army. One user wrote: “Now I understand why your government is reintegrating Boko Haram terrorists into the Nigerian military.” Another added: “What a smart move by Gumi, Boko Haram’s spokesperson has successfully planted his son in the army.”
Okay…..now I understand why your government is reintegrating Boko Haram terrorists into the Nigerian military 🪖
Bandit midman son don graduate from Nigerian defence academy…. Ire oh🥱🥱🥱
— Aondona Stephen Onjefu (@stephen_rich1) September 21, 2025
What a smart move by Gumi, bokoharam spokesperson/mediator has successfully planted his son in Nigeria army, do your arithmetic well, you will surely have the equal to =
— Ladies & Gentlemen (@FigLynch) September 21, 2025
A mole has been successfully planted in the Nigerian Military.
— Osagie Iyoha 🇦🇺🇳🇬🇺🇸 (@DatNaijaGuy1) September 21, 2025
He is dangerous to the military, considering his dad's controversial position on terrorism in the NE. https://t.co/c4lpy1o7v2
— Steven Kefas (@SKefason) September 21, 2025
Others, however, dismissed the criticism as unfair, noting that Ahmad should be judged on his own record, not on his father’s. They also pointed out that he is keeping the family legacy going as a former army captain’s son.
Most people don't know, Sheikh is also a retired officer.
This is a picture of Dr. Ahmad Abubakar Gumi during his military days, cradling his baby.
I think na this baby boy now become a soldier. https://t.co/6PWcXplsPf pic.twitter.com/r01ojKkncF
— SMART〽️ (@YusufSKF00) September 21, 2025
Individual responsibility matters
While public suspicion is understandable in an atmosphere of insecurity, justice should be rooted in individual accountability. The NDA has its own vetting process, designed to screen candidates before they are admitted. Once admitted, cadets undergo years of military and academic training before commissioning.
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Without concrete evidence of compromise, there is no solid argument for why Abdulrahaman should not be treated as an officer in his own right. In short, he shouldn’t be seen as an extension of his father’s political and religious views and certainly, he should not pay for his father’s perceived sins.
Philip Ibitoye is a Special Correspondent with EKO HOT BLOG. Click here to find daily analysis and critical insight on trending issues in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria.
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