Tension surfaced in parts of Sokoto metropolis on Monday as youths took to the streets to protest the continued detention of Islamic cleric, Dahiru Mai Barewa.
The protesters, who were demanding the cleric’s release, reportedly blocked some roads and held demonstrations in parts of the city before security personnel moved in to restore order.
The Punch reported that the protest was triggered by a court order directing the re-arrest and remand of Mai Barewa, who is facing allegations of threatening to kill two Islamic scholars, Sheikh Musa Ayyuba Lukuwa and Malam Murtala Bello Assada.
Mai Barewa’s detention has generated considerable interest in Sokoto, particularly because of the religious issues surrounding the case and the support he enjoys among some youths and residents.
The protesters rejected the court’s decision and called for the matter to be handled through due process, demanding what they described as “justice and respect for the rule of law.”
However, the demonstration reportedly became confrontational after some protesters allegedly attacked security personnel in an attempt to secure Mai Barewa’s release.
“They attempted to take the law into their own hands and forcefully free him from custody,” a source familiar with the incident said.
Security operatives were subsequently deployed to the affected areas to prevent the situation from escalating further. The confrontation also temporarily disrupted movement in some parts of the metropolis.
The case followed a series of videos in which Mai Barewa was allegedly seen making threats against Lukuwa and Assada. The videos reportedly raised concerns among residents and led to calls for security agencies to investigate the allegations.
According to reports, Mai Barewa’s alleged threat against Lukuwa was linked to comments attributed to the scholar regarding the parents of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). In another video, the cleric was also said to have spoken about disagreements with some authorities.
Assada had previously alleged that the threats were reported to security agencies, claiming that Mai Barewa repeatedly issued threats against the clerics in several videos.
The allegations eventually led to legal proceedings, culminating in the court’s order for Mai Barewa’s re-arrest and remand.
His supporters, however, have continued to oppose his detention and insist that he should be released.
The dispute has remained a subject of discussion within religious communities in Sokoto, with Mai Barewa’s supporters demanding his freedom while others maintain that the allegations against him should be taken seriously.
Monday’s protest has further heightened calls for calm and restraint, as stakeholders urged the cleric’s supporters to allow the courts and relevant authorities to resolve the matter.
“People should not take the law into their own hands. If there is a grievance, it should be addressed through the appropriate legal channels,” a stakeholder said.
Calm was later restored in the affected areas, while residents were advised to remain peaceful and avoid actions that could threaten public order.
