“I’m free, safe,” Sheik Umar counters claim of arrest by Peter Obi

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

Kaduna Islami cleric, Sheik Ahmad Tijjani Umar has said contrary to the claim by the 2023 presidential candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi, he was not arrested or detained by the Department of State Services, DSS.

Peter Obi had in a statement early Tuesday said Sheikh Umar was arrested shortly after the religious leader hosted him in Kaduna on Sunday.

He said, “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.”

“Suppression and intimidation of dissent can never stand in a democratic society, and this Nigerian government must understand this fact.

“I respectfully call on all those bent on undermining our already fragile democracy to please stop and apply the rule of law and tenets of democracy in dealing with citizens.”

However, Sheikh Umar, in a short video posted on the social media denied the claim by Peter Obi. Rather, the Cleric, who is also a chieftain of African Democratic Congress, ADC said he was invited by DSS for questioning. He said he cooperated fully with the DSS and was released. “I am free, I am safe, I’m well,” Sheik Umar said while appealing for calm from his supporters in Kaduna State.

He also urged supporters of ADC in Kaduna to allow the law to take its course on the ongoing trial of the former governor of the state, Nasir-El-Rufai.

He cautioned against disorderly behavior by supporters of the party.

Sheik Umar said “I am speaking to correct the false report being circulated in some quarters. I was not detained by the DSS. I was invited for questioning and cooperated fully and I was released.

“I am free, I am safe, I’m well. I want to appeal to all our supporters and all citizens of Kaduna State to remain calm, to remain peaceful and to remain law abiding citizens.

“No one should take the law into his hands. No one should create disorder in the name of loyalty.

“On the matter concerning of our leader, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, let’s be patient and let due process takes it course.

Let’s continue to pray and let’s keep peace. And to everyone dissatisfied with the current system, the answer is very simple – register, vote and choose better leadership when the time comes.

“Thank you all may All Protect our dear state Kaduna State.”