Security operatives suspected to be personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS) have reportedly arrested a prominent Islamic cleric and former governorship aspirant in Kaduna State, Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar, barely 24 hours after he hosted former presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
As of the time of filing this report, the exact circumstances surrounding his arrest remain unclear, with authorities yet to issue an official statement. However, the development has sparked concerns over the state of civil liberties in the country, particularly regarding freedom of expression and political association.
Sources indicate that the cleric was taken into custody shortly after hosting Obi during his visit to Kaduna State on Sunday, a move that has since drawn criticism from political observers and stakeholders.
Reacting to the incident, Obi, who was the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, condemned the arrest and described it as a disturbing trend in Nigeria’s democratic space.
Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, the former Anambra State governor said the reported detention of Sheikh Umar raises serious concerns about the protection of fundamental human rights.
“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 stated.
He further warned that such actions, if left unchecked, could erode the foundations of democracy in the country.
“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 also stressed the importance of upholding democratic values, noting that freedom of speech and the rule of law remain essential pillars of any functioning democracy.
“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 the government must understand this,” he said.
He concluded by calling on relevant authorities to uphold the rule of law and refrain from actions that could further weaken Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
As of press time, efforts to reach the DSS for comments on the matter were unsuccessful.