Prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar, has reportedly been arrested by authorities shortly after hosting former presidential candidate, Peter Obi in Kaduna State.
Obi disclosed the development in a statement on Tuesday, expressing concern over what he described as a growing threat to democratic freedoms in Nigeria.
“I have just been made aware early this morning that Revered religious leader, Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar has been arrested by authorities shortly after hosting me in Kaduna on Sunday,” Obi wrote on X.
According to him, the cleric was taken into custody not long after the meeting held on Sunday, a situation he said raises serious questions about citizens’ rights to freedom of association, movement and expression.
“This development underscores the deeply troubling state of our nation and our democracy, where freedom of speech and movement is increasingly threatened, and where citizens and perceived political opponents face harassment and unnecessary persecution. This cannot be allowed to continue,” Mr Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor warned that suppressing dissenting voices undermines the core principles of democracy and should not be tolerated.
“This country must defend freedom and free speech, which are the hallmarks of every democratic society. Suppression and intimidation of dissent can never stand in a democratic society, and this Nigerian government must understand this fact,” he added.
Mr Obi called on authorities to adhere strictly to the rule of law and democratic tenets in their dealings with citizens, urging those in positions of power to refrain from actions capable of further weakening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
TNG reports there was no official confirmation from security agencies regarding the arrest or the circumstances surrounding it as of the time of filing this report.
