The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested Kaduna-based Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Umar, shortly after he hosted former presidential candidate Peter Obi at his residence in Kaduna.
According to reports, the cleric was taken into DSS custody on the night of March 22, shortly after Obi left the state, where he had met with African Democratic Congress (ADC) stakeholders to discuss strategies for moving the party forward.
Umar’s arrest was confirmed by Obi on his social media account on Tuesday, where he condemned the DSS action, describing it as a threat to democracy.
“This development underscores the deeply troubling state of our nation and our democracy, where freedom of speech and movement is increasingly under threat,” Obi said.
He added that targeting citizens or religious leaders over political engagements could amount to harassment and unjustified persecution.
The former Anambra State governor further urged authorities to respect democratic principles and ensure that the rule of law guides interactions between the government and citizens.
He said, “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 said.
“I respectfully call on all those bent on undermining our already fragile democracy to stop and apply the rule of law and tenets of democracy in dealing with citizens,” Obi concluded.
