Ahmad Tijjani Umar, a Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, has denied claims that he was detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) following a recent visit by Peter Obi.
In a post on X on Tuesday, Obi had alleged that Umar was arrested shortly after hosting him in Kaduna on Sunday, describing the development as a troubling sign of democratic backsliding and rising 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, without specifying the security agency involved.
However, in a viral video released hours later, Umar dismissed the claim, stating that he was neither detained nor mistreated.
“I am 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.”
The cleric urged his supporters and residents to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing the need to maintain peace.
“No one should take the law into his hands. No one should create disorder in the name of loyalty,” he said.
Umar also encouraged citizens to express dissatisfaction with the political system through democratic processes, particularly voter participation.
“The answer is very simple: register, vote, and choose better leadership when the time comes,” he added.