Renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has denied a viral report claiming that he said the United States targeted him in an attack on Nigerian soil.

In a post on his verified Facebook page, Gumi described the report as completely false, stating that he never made such a claim and never believed it was possible.

He explained that the confusion likely arose from a lecture he delivered at a mosque, during which he spoke about a past security threat linked to Boko Haram.

According to Gumi, he only recounted how, in August 2012, he was informed that Boko Haram planned to kill him.

He said the attempt failed when the attackers were killed after a bomb they were carrying exploded near his house.

The cleric stressed that he is currently safe and living peacefully with his family, without fear or intimidation.

He also called on media organisations that published the report to correct the story and apologise to the public.