Don’t mind Peter Obi: I was never arrested by DSS, says Kaduna-based Islamic cleric

“Don’t mind Peter Obi; I was not arrested by DSS,” says Kaduna-based Islamic cleric
A Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Ahmad Tijjani Umar, has dismissed claims that he was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services following a recent visit by Peter Obi.
The controversy began after Obi, in a post on his verified X handle on Tuesday, alleged that the cleric had been detained shortly after hosting him in Kaduna last Sunday.
Obi wrote, “I was made aware early this morning that revered religious leader, Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar, was arrested by authorities shortly after hosting me in Kaduna on Sunday.”
The former Labour Party presidential candidate described the reported development as troubling, warning that it points to a growing threat to democratic freedoms in the country.
“This development underscores the deeply troubling state of our nation and our democracy, where freedom of speech and movement are increasingly threatened, and where citizens and perceived political opponents face harassment and unnecessary persecution. This cannot be allowed to continue,” he added.
Obi further urged authorities to uphold democratic principles, stressing that the suppression of dissent has no place in a democratic society.
However, in a viral video that surfaced hours after Obi’s claim, Umar firmly refuted the allegation, stating unequivocally that he was neither arrested nor harassed by security operatives. He also urged the public to disregard what he described as misinformation.
“I was not arrested. I was not detained. Nothing of the sort happened,” the cleric said, appearing calm and unrestrained in the video.
He further clarified that he continued his normal activities without any interference from security agencies, casting doubt on the accuracy of the earlier claim.
The development has since sparked widespread reactions across social media, with conflicting narratives raising questions about the credibility of the initial report and the circumstances surrounding Obi’s visit to Kaduna. Observers say the incident highlights the speed at which unverified information can spread and the need for public figures to confirm sensitive claims before making them public.