By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa
A Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Umar, has denied reports that he was arrested and detained following a visit by former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.
The controversy began on Tuesday when Obi posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the cleric had been taken into custody shortly after their meeting. Obi described the alleged arrest as a troubling sign of shrinking democratic freedoms.
“I have just been made aware that revered religious leader, Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar, has been arrested by authorities shortly after hosting me,” Obi wrote, warning that the situation reflected a broader pattern of intolerance in the country.
Hours later, Sheikh Umar directly contradicted the claim in a widely circulated video. He clarified that he had not been arrested or detained by the Department of State Services (DSS), but was simply invited for a routine inquiry.
“I am speaking today to correct a false report being circulated in some quarters. I was not detained by the DSS,” Umar said. “I was invited for questioning. I cooperated fully and I was released. I am free. I am safe. And I am well.”
The cleric urged his followers and the public to remain calm and refrain from any actions that could disturb public order. “No one should take the law into his hands. No one should create disorder in the name of loyalty,” he cautioned.
He further encouraged citizens to pursue change through lawful and democratic means, emphasizing the importance of participating in elections. “The answer is very simple: register, vote, and choose better leadership when the time comes,” he added.
