A Kaduna-based cleric, Ahmad Umar has dismissed claims that he was detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) following a recent visit by Peter Obi.
In a post on Tuesday, Obi had alleged that the cleric was arrested shortly after hosting him in Kaduna on Sunday, describing the development as a sign of democratic backsliding and a threat to freedom of 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 agency involved.
However, in a video released hours later, Umar refuted the claim, stating that he was neither detained nor harmed.
“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 of Kaduna to remain calm and avoid actions that could disrupt public order.
“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 the political process peacefully.
“The answer is very simple: register, vote, and choose better leadership when the time comes,” he added.
