A Kaduna-based businessman, Nasir Musa Idris, has accused Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, of taking custody of his Moroccan wife, Khadija Diab, after he took her to the cleric’s residence for counselling.
Idris, speaking in an interview with RFI Hausa, the Hausa service of Radio France Internationale, alleged that he had been unable to take his wife home for about 11 months after leaving her at Gumi’s residence in September 2025.
The businessman said he married Khadija, a Moroccan national, in October 2024 after travelling to Morocco to seek her hand in marriage and completing the necessary legal and immigration procedures.
According to him, the marriage was conducted with the consent of Khadija’s parents and with the involvement of relevant authorities, including the Nigerian embassy, before he brought her to Nigeria.
Idris said Khadija had not previously known anyone in Nigeria and that they lived together in Kaduna without major problems until September 2025.
He alleged that he was later informed that Gumi wanted to counsel his wife over complaints she had reportedly made about their marriage.
Trusting Gumi because of his position as an Islamic scholar and religious leader, Idris said he took Khadija to the cleric’s residence.
He said he had met Gumi at a pharmacy on Isa Kaita Road with his family and believed in the cleric’s character and standing as a religious leader.
Idris, however, alleged that after leaving his wife at Gumi’s residence, his attempts to take her back were unsuccessful.
He said the situation persisted for several months, forcing him to report the matter to relevant authorities and seek legal redress.
The businessman also alleged that Gumi was invited by the authorities to answer questions concerning the matter but did not honour the invitation.
The dispute has also led to legal proceedings in Kaduna, where Idris reportedly made allegations bordering on wrongful restraint or confinement, interference in his marriage, theft, defamation and issues concerning a purported marriage document.
Court documents connected to the case reportedly listed Amal Ahmad Gumi, identified as Sheikh Gumi’s wife, and some members of the cleric’s family as defendants.
The filings indicated that Idris initially introduced Khadija to Amal because both women are Moroccan.
The businessman also questioned the authenticity and circumstances surrounding a purported marriage certificate and alleged Gumi’s involvement in proceedings before a Sharia Court in Kaduna.
The allegations, however, remain disputed and have not been established as facts by a court. There is also no independent confirmation that Gumi married Khadija.
Reacting to the allegations, Gumi denied Idris’ claims and threatened to take legal action against the businessman.
Speaking to Weekend Trust, the cleric dismissed the allegations and said he would sue Idris.
Gumi’s response has therefore set up a direct legal and factual dispute between the two men over what happened after Khadija was taken to the cleric’s residence.
Idris, however, maintained that his marriage to Khadija was valid and that she was brought to Nigeria only after he completed the necessary procedures.
He said his immediate concern was to have his wife returned and to obtain clarification on the circumstances under which she allegedly remained at Gumi’s residence.
The dispute has attracted attention because of the identities of those involved and the unusual circumstances surrounding the marital disagreement.
With Gumi threatening legal action and the matter already before the relevant authorities and courts, the competing accounts are expected to be addressed through the appropriate legal and investigative processes.
Vanguard
