Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has raised alarm over what he described as the reported arrest of Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar, an Islamic cleric who hosted him during a visit to Kaduna State last Sunday.
In a statement shared on his verified X account on Tuesday, Obi said he was informed that Umar was taken into custody by authorities shortly after their meeting. Obi labelled the development a “troubling” sign for Nigeria’s democratic space, warning that such actions could undermine freedom of expression and association.
The former governor did not specify which security agency was responsible for the alleged detention or provide details on the grounds for the cleric’s arrest.
However, in a separate video circulating online, Sheikh Umar denied being detained, stating he was invited for questioning by security agents but was released afterward and remained free.
Obi’s comments reflect growing concerns among some political figures about what they see as increasing pressure on dissenting voices and civil liberties in the country.
