A Kaduna based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar, has dismissed claims that he was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) following a recent visit by former Governor of Anambra State and Presidential candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi.
Sheikh Umar, in a viral video that surfaced hours after Obi’s claim, refuted the allegation, stating that he was neither arrested nor harassed by security operatives.
“I was not arrested. I was not detained. Nothing of such happened,” the cleric said, dismissing the reports as false.
The development has since sparked reactions across social media, with conflicting narratives raising questions over the accuracy of the initial claim and the circumstances surrounding Obi’s visit to Kaduna.
The controversy began after Obi, in a post on his verified X handle on Tuesday, alleged that the cleric was detained shortly after hosting him in Kaduna last Sunday.
“I have just been made aware early this morning that revered religious leader, Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar, has been arrested by authorities shortly after hosting me in Kaduna on Sunday,” Obi wrote.
The former Governor warned that such actions could erode democratic values, stressing that citizens must not be subjected to harassment over perceived political affiliations.
“This development underscores the deeply troubling state of our nation and our democracy, where freedom of speech and movement is increasingly threatened, and where citizens and perceived political opponents face harassment and unnecessary persecution. This cannot be allowed to continue,” he added.
Obi further emphasised the need to protect fundamental freedoms, noting that democracy cannot thrive in an atmosphere of intimidation.
“This country must defend freedom and free speech, which are the hallmarks of every democratic society. Suppression and intimidation of dissent can never stand in a democratic society, and this Nigerian government must understand this fact,” he said.
He also urged authorities to adhere strictly to the rule of law and desist from actions capable of undermining democratic institutions.
“I respectfully call on all those bent on undermining our already fragile democracy to please stop and apply the rule of law and tenets of democracy in dealing with citizens,” Obi stated.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from security agencies regarding the arrest or the circumstances surrounding it.
The development comes days after Obi visited Kaduna State as part of his nationwide political consultations. During the visit, he met with stakeholders and reiterated his position on decentralising governance in Nigeria.
“Abuja to Kaduna is less than two hours, nothing stops a President from going via road to Kaduna for a meeting, stay there for a day or two before coming back,” he had said.
Obi also described Kaduna as a strategic hub with the potential for economic revival, stressing the need for unity and inclusive governance.
“A divided society cannot progress, but a united, just, and inclusive one will always find a path to peace and development,” he added.
