Controversy Trails Sheikh Asada’s Firearm Display Amid Alleged Death Threats

Newslens NG reports that a video circulating on social media has sparked debate after Islamic cleric, Sheikh Murtala Bello Asada, was seen conducting a firearm shooting test in a forest.

The development reportedly followed claims that the cleric had received threats to his life, raising concerns over his personal safety.

In the video, Sheikh Asada is seen firing a weapon in a wooded area, while also reportedly issuing a strong warning to those allegedly behind the threats. He was heard saying, “To hell with them; damn them.”

Pictures and footage of the cleric holding what appeared to be a double-barrel firearm have since generated mixed reactions on social media, with users divided over his decision to publicly demonstrate the handling and use of a weapon.

While some users criticised the move, arguing that the public display of firearms could encourage the normalisation of civilian gun possession, others defended the cleric, maintaining that reported threats to his life could explain his decision to learn how to protect himself.

The incident has reignited discussions about personal security, civilian access to firearms and the responsibility of relevant security agencies to respond to credible threats against citizens. It remains unclear from the available footage whether the firearm was legally obtained or whether the shooting exercise was conducted under any authorised arrangement.