Operatives of the department of state services (DSS) have arrested Daood Imran Molaasan, an Osun-based Islamic cleric, following a pro-Palestine protest held in the state.
Molaasan, who leads the Ta’awunu Muslimeen group, was reportedly taken into custody after a video circulated online showing him and his followers calling for the liberation of Palestine, which they described as being under Israeli occupation.
The footage showed members of the group marching through Iwo while raising the Palestinian flag.
The video went viral on social media, drawing mixed reactions from users who expressed solidarity with the Palestinian cause and others who raised security concerns.
Ta’awunu Muslimeen presents itself as an Islamic movement focused on religious teachings and global Muslim issues.
The group has organised similar pro-Palestine demonstrations in the past, including a rally in 2018.
During the recent march in Iwo, participants were seen pledging allegiance to the Qur’an and Sunnah.
Some elements of the footage, including coordinated arm gestures by protesters, attracted criticism from observers who likened them to Nazi-style salutes.
The presence of children chanting strong religious slogans during the protest further heightened concerns among critics.
As of the time of filing this report, the DSS has not issued an official statement or disclosed any charges against the cleric.
