A prominent religious leader, Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar, has dismissed reports claiming he was detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) 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 subjected to any form of mistreatment by security operatives. According to him, he was only invited for questioning, fully cooperated with authorities, and was released shortly afterward.
“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,” he stated.
He further appealed to his supporters and residents of Kaduna State to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing the importance of maintaining peace.
“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,” Umar added.
The cleric also called for patience regarding ongoing legal matters involving former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, while encouraging citizens to engage actively in the democratic process as a means of effecting change.
Umar’s clarification follows claims made earlier by Obi, who alleged in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account that the cleric had been arrested shortly after hosting him in Kaduna.
Obi described the reported arrest as a concerning indication of democratic decline, warning against what he termed increasing threats to freedom of speech and political expression.
“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 wrote.
He further noted that such developments reflect “the deeply troubling state of our nation and our democracy,” adding that harassment and persecution of perceived political opponents must not be allowed to persist.
The conflicting accounts have continued to generate reactions, with Umar’s statement now offering a different perspective on the incident.
Umar Denies DSS Detention, Urges Calm Amid Controversy Over Obi’s Claim
