A Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Ahmad Umar, has publicly denied claims of his arrest by the Department of State Services (DSS), contradicting earlier allegations made by African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
The clarification, issued on Tuesday, has intensified debate over political narratives, misinformation, and the state of civil liberties in Nigeria.
Mr Obi had earlier alleged via social media that the cleric was arrested shortly after hosting him in Kaduna on Sunday.
The claim was echoed by members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who described the alleged arrest as a sign of democratic decline and suppression of dissent.
“I am speaking today to correct a false report being circulated… The DSS did not detain me,” Mr Umar said in a viral video.
“I was invited for questioning. I cooperated fully, and I was released. I am free. I am safe. And I am well.”
Call for calm
The cleric urged residents and supporters to remain peaceful and avoid actions that could disrupt public order.
“No one should take the law into their own hands. No one should create disorder in the name of loyalty,” he said.
He further encouraged citizens to channel their grievances through democratic processes, including voting.
The incident has exposed a widening gap between opposition claims and official or firsthand accounts, raising concerns about the spread of unverified information in politically sensitive moments.
While Mr Obi framed the situation as evidence of shrinking democratic space, the cleric’s rebuttal has shifted attention to the risks of premature conclusions in politically charged environments.
The episode comes amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 elections, with increased scrutiny on security agencies and their perceived role in political affairs.
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