Kaduna cleric denies being detained after Obi’s visit

2026-03-24 - 14:24

Kaduna-based Islamic cleric Ahmad Umar has denied reports that he was detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) following a visit by former presidential candidate Peter Obi. In a viral video, Umar insisted that he was not arrested or mistreated, saying he was only invited for questioning and has since 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. He also appealed for patience regarding legal proceedings involving former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, encouraging citizens to participate in the electoral process for change. The clarification comes after Obi, in a post on his X page on Tuesday, alleged that Umar was arrested shortly after hosting him in Kaduna last Sunday. Obi described the alleged detention as a troubling sign of democratic backsliding, warning of increasing threats to freedom of 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.”