Ahmad Umar, an Islamic cleric based in Kaduna, has dismissed reports claiming he was arrested and detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) shortly after hosting Peter Obi.
Earlier on March 24, Obi had taken to X to allege that the cleric was arrested hours after his visit on Sunday, March 22. He described the situation as a concerning development for democracy, warning about growing threats to free speech and political expression.
“I have just been made aware… that revered religious leader, Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar, has been arrested by authorities shortly after hosting me,” Obi wrote, though he did not specify which security agency was responsible
However, in a video released later, Umar debunked the claim, stating clearly that he was neither arrested nor detained. He explained that he was only invited for questioning and was released afterward.
“I am speaking 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. I am safe. And I am well.”he said
The cleric urged his supporters and residents to remain calm and avoid actions that could disrupt peace in the state.
“No one should take the law into his hands. No one should create disorder in the name of loyalty,” he said
He also encouraged citizens to engage with the political system through proper democratic channels, particularly by participating in elections.
“The answer is very simple: register, vote, and choose better leadership when the time comes,” he said