Major Takeaways From the Shekau’s New Audio

The leader of Jama’atu Ahlussunnah Lidda’awati Wal Jihad, Abubakar Shekau, has released a new audio saying the audio of him weeping is an old clip recorded in Ramadan five years ago.

In the 24 minutes 56 seconds long clip, the factional leader of Boko Haram played the trending clip in which he wept and clarified it by saying he was only praying for Allah’s assistance five years ago.

To show the audio is new, Shekau started by mentioning his name and the date the new clip was recorded, and added that he meant to clarify the weeping audio.

“I am, with God’s permission, Abu Muhammad Abubakar Ibn Muhammad Asshakawy, the leader of Jama’atu Ahlussunnah Lidda’awati Wal Jihad, making this short statement, on Wednesday, 21st Ramadan 1441 AH”, he said.

“I want to send this message to those who use our statements and lie against us. Whoever picks one’s statement to tarnish his image, wallahi, he can’t do that. God knows,”said Shekau.

Clarifies the Weeping Video

In the weeping audio that was uploaded by an Abuja based online newspaper, Shekau was heard weeping profusely praying for Allah’s support against his enemies.

The audio trended for a day on popular social media platforms and generated thousands of “Shekau” mentions on Twitter.

Shekau says the audio is five years old

“I present this short statement before I say what I want to say, because I made a statement about five years ago, in the past Ramadan. Between this Ramadan and the past Ramadan there’s five years. And it was prayer, seeking Allah’s support,” he said.

“Even today, I won’t stop this kind of statement to show my weakness to Allah to strengthen me. Even today, I can pray to him with these words.

“But some people picked these words and published them in their newspapers and other means of spreading information, claiming that it was in this Ramadan I made the statement. But God is King and Omnipotent.

“This is well known, if anybody goes to speak on what is related to God and His Prophet, false statements would be attributed to Him and His sayings would be manipulated.

“Even Allah’s statements are being changed. We who want to state what’s related to Allah must be steadfast. This is what I want to say and I’ll repeat it Insha Allah.”

Threatens Journalist and News Media

The factional leader of Boko Haram threatened London-based lawyer and researcher Audu Bulama Bukarti, the Editor-in-Chief of HumAngle, Ahmad Salkida, the HumAngle itself and BBC saying:

“Like their station, BBC, and the other means of spreading information. This way that you are on is not Godly. It is Jewish way and you follow them.

“We are making these statements for those who may not know to clear their misconceptions. For us, we don’t care. We know this recording you picked was five years ago and we know why we did it. This is what I want to say.

“And Wallahi you Bulama Bukarti listen [to me], just because you are placed in England you speak against those who are waging jihad, bi’iznillahi ta’alah you are in trouble.

“Or you Angle (referring to HumAngle), Wallahi you should listen. Or even you Salkida, the very person that is called Salkida, who we already know for a long time. Wallahi you should be careful. Wallahi you should be careful.

“This is the religion that we practise, it’s not Shekau you are targeting. You are targeting Allah.

“I leave my affairs to God. I have no iota of doubt that Allah will help me. I’m still confident. God makes strong. If not because of this you won’t speak about me.”

‘We Are Not Weak’

Desperate to show his strength, in the new audio, Shekau said his group was still strong in spite of claims that Boko Haram had been weakened by Nigeria’s military offensives.

“To say that we are weak or not, Allah knows who is weak. Allah knows who is weak. And Wallahi Tallahi infidels will not emerge victorious. Hypocrites will not be successful. Sinners will not be successful,” he said.

Disregards Social Distancing To Curb COVID -19

As the federal government puts different measures to curb COVID-19 in Nigeria, Shekau hits harder on social distancing and closure of mosques.

“Even this coronavirus is not but a curse on you. We pray five times a day. We pray in congregations. We pray on Fridays. We cut hands (of thieves). We follow orders. We are fine.

“It’s a lie. Infidel can’t come near us. It’s a lie. It’s a lie. This is what I’m repeating for you, Insha Allah. I’m making this statement for those with limited access to information to feel fine

Re-emphasises the Ideology of Boko Haram

In the new clip, Shekau re-emphasised the ideology of Boko Haram by claiming studying different fields of knowledge was waste of time. He also attacked Ilmul Kalam (Islamic Theology) that is studied by many Muslims around the world.

“Wallahi you should not depend on psychology. You should not depend on Ilmul Kalam (Islamic Theology). Don’t depend on technology or sociology. Don’t depend on all these fields. Wallahi they are less than one hour read. They are even less than one minute read,” Shekau said.

Attacks African Leaders

Shekau attacked different African leaders who engage with Boko Haram in a war against terrorism in West Africa. He specifically mentioned the president of Chad, Niger, Cameroon and Nigeria.

“And now you say Idris Debby emerged victorious. The Idris that has seen trouble and that’s why he is bothering you. Muhammad Yusuf (President of Niger Republic) has seen trouble that’s why he is bothering you. Buhari has seen trouble that is why he is bothering you. Paul Biya has seen trouble and that’s why he is bothering you. Africa itself has seen trouble”, Shekau said.