A Kaduna-based businessman, Nasiru 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, alleged that his wife had remained away from him for about 11 months after he took her to Gumi’s residence in September 2025.

He said he had travelled to Morocco to marry Khadija in October 2024 before bringing her to Nigeria, adding that their marriage was contracted with the consent of her parents and after the necessary documentation had been completed.

According to Idris, the dispute began when Gumi allegedly requested that he bring his wife to him for counselling after she reportedly complained about aspects of their marriage.

He alleged that after leaving his wife at Gumi’s residence, efforts to take her back were unsuccessful and that the cleric subsequently interfered in their marriage.

Idris also claimed that attempts by security agencies to investigate the matter had been frustrated, and appealed for the authorities to establish his wife’s whereabouts.

The businessman had earlier filed complaints before courts in Kaduna against Gumi and members of his family, alleging offences including wrongful confinement, criminal trespass, theft, defamation and forgery. The allegations are before the courts and have not been judicially determined.

Gumi, however, has denied Idris’ allegations and said he would sue the businessman for defamation.

Gumi’s representative, Nasiru Ayuba, also denied that the woman was being kept at the cleric’s residence, saying she had approached Gumi herself for assistance with a personal matter.

Gumi further said the woman was no longer in Nigeria and was currently in Morocco with her parents.