Conflicting accounts have emerged over the reported arrest of Kaduna based Islamic cleric Ahmad Tijjani Umar, following claims by Peter Obi that he was detained shortly after hosting him.
In a post shared on Tuesday, Obi alleged that the cleric was arrested by the Department of State Services barely 24 hours after their meeting in Kaduna, describing the development as a worrying sign for democracy, freedom of movement, and free expression in the country.
However, Umar has since dismissed the claim in a viral video, clarifying that he was not arrested or mistreated. According to him, he was only invited for questioning by security operatives and was released shortly after.
Earlier reports had suggested that operatives believed to be from the DSS picked up the cleric, who is also a former governorship aspirant, sparking concerns and reactions across political circles.
While Obi maintained that such actions point to growing intolerance and intimidation of perceived opposition voices, Umar’s response has introduced a different perspective, indicating that the situation may not have been as severe as initially reported.
As of now, there has been no official statement from the DSS to clarify the circumstances surrounding the invitation, leaving room for continued public debate over the incident and its broader implications for civil liberties in Nigeria.
