Kaduna Cleric Breaks Silence on Being Arrested by DSS After Obi Visit

A Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Ahmad Umar, has dismissed claims that he was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) after receiving a visit from former presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

The cleric addressed the issue following widespread reports that his meeting with the Labour Party figure led to his detention by security operatives.

In a video that has since circulated online, Umar clarified that he was never detained, stressing that the DSS only invited him for questioning.

He explained that he honoured the invitation without resistance and was allowed to leave shortly after.

He said, “I come today to correct a false report being circulated in some quarters. I was not detained by the DSS. I was invited for questioning. I cooperated fully, and I was released. I am free, safe and well.”

Umar urged residents of Kaduna State and his followers to remain calm amid the controversy. He warned against any form of unrest or actions that could disrupt public peace.

According to him, no situation should push citizens into taking the law into their own hands.

“I want to appeal to all our supporters and to all citizens of Kaduna State: remain calm, remain peaceful and remain law-abiding citizens. No one should take the law into their hands. No one should create disorder in the name of loyalty,” he added.

The cleric also touched on ongoing political developments in the state. He called for patience in legal matters involving former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

He encouraged citizens to stay engaged in the democratic process and use elections as a means of effecting change.

The development follows an earlier claim by Peter Obi, who had raised concerns over Umar’s alleged arrest.

In a post shared on his X page on Tuesday, Obi suggested that the cleric was picked up by security agents shortly after hosting him in Kaduna.