In a viral video circulating hours after Obi’s post on social media, Umar insisted that he was neither detained nor mistreated, stating that he was only invited for questioning and subsequently released.
A Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar, has denied claims that he was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS), countering an earlier alarm raised by former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
In a viral video circulating hours after Obi’s post on social media, Umar insisted that he was neither detained nor mistreated, stating that he was only invited for questioning and subsequently released.
“I’m speaking today to correct a false report being circulated in some quarters. I was not detained by the DSS,” he said.
“I was invited for questioning. I cooperated fully and I was released. I am free. I am safe. And I am well,” he added.
The cleric also urged his supporters and members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding, warning against actions capable of causing unrest.
“No one should take the law into his hands. No one should create disorder in the name of loyalty,” he said.
Speaking further, Umar advised patience in matters involving the former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, urging that due process be allowed to take its course.
“On the matter concerning our leader, Mallam El-Rufai, let us be patient and let due process take its course,” he said.
He also encouraged citizens to focus on civic participation as a means of driving change.
“The answer is very simple: register, vote, and choose better leadership when the time comes,” he added.
Obi had earlier raised concerns over the alleged arrest of the cleric shortly after the former Anambra governor’s visit to Kaduna State, describing the development as troubling and a sign of shrinking civic space in Nigeria.
He warned that such incidents could undermine democratic freedoms and urged authorities to uphold the rule of law.
“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 said.
The former governor warned that such actions could erode democratic values, stressing that citizens must not be subjected to harassment over perceived political affiliations.
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“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 further emphasised the need to protect fundamental freedoms, noting that democracy cannot thrive in an atmosphere of intimidation.
“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 this Nigerian government must understand this fact,” he said.
