Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Ahmad Umar, has refuted claims that he was detained by Nigeria’s Department of State Services following a recent visit by former presidential candidate Peter Obi.
In a video that has since circulated widely, Umar clarified that he was neither arrested nor mistreated, explaining that he was only invited for questioning and has already been released.
He said, “I come today to correct a false report being circulated in some quarters. I was not detained by the DSS. I was invited for questioning. I cooperated fully, and I was released. I am free, safe and well.
“I want to appeal to all our supporters and to all citizens of Kaduna State: remain calm, remain peaceful and remain law-abiding citizens. No one should take the law into their hands. No one should create disorder in the name of loyalty.”
The cleric also urged patience over ongoing legal matters involving former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, while encouraging citizens to engage in the electoral process as a means of driving change.
His remarks follow an earlier statement by Obi, who had alleged in a post on X on Tuesday that Umar was arrested shortly after hosting him in Kaduna last Sunday.
Obi described the reported detention as a worrying indication of democratic decline, cautioning against what he sees as growing threats to free speech and political expression.
He wrote in part, “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.
“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.”
