Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Ahmad Umar, has dismissed widespread reports alleging that he was detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) following a recent visit by former presidential candidate Peter Obi.
In a viral video released on Tuesday, Umar clarified that he was neither arrested nor mistreated by security operatives. According to him, he was only invited for questioning, fully cooperated with authorities, and was subsequently released.
“I was not detained by the DSS. I was invited for questioning. I cooperated fully, and I was released. I am free, safe and well,” he stated.
The cleric further appealed to his supporters and residents of Kaduna State to maintain peace and uphold the rule of law. He cautioned against actions that could incite unrest, emphasizing the importance of lawful conduct.
“I want to appeal to all our supporters and citizens of Kaduna State: remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding. No one should take the law into their hands or create disorder in the name of loyalty,” he added.
Umar also called for patience concerning ongoing legal matters involving former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, urging citizens to channel their concerns through the electoral process.
The clarification follows earlier claims by Obi, who, in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) page, alleged that the cleric had been arrested shortly after hosting him in Kaduna. Obi described the reported incident as indicative of growing threats to democratic freedoms, including freedom of speech and political expression.
However, Umar’s statement appears to counter those claims, stressing that no such detention occurred.
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