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 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, without naming the security agency involved.
However, in a video released hours later that quickly went viral, Umar pushed back on the claim. He clarified 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 also appealed for calm, urging his supporters and residents to remain law-abiding 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 cautioned.
Umar further advised citizens to channel their grievances through democratic means, especially through active participation in elections.
“The answer is very simple: register, vote, and choose better leadership when the time comes,” he added.