Former Anambra State governor Peter Obi has alleged that a Kaduna-based cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar, was arrested by authorities shortly after hosting him on Sunday.
In a post on his X page on Tuesday, Obi said he was informed of the arrest early in the morning, describing the development as a threat to democratic freedoms.
Obi said the incident reflects “a deeply troubling state” of the nation, where freedom of speech and movement are increasingly under pressure, and where perceived political opponents face harassment.
He warned that such actions undermine the rule of law and democratic principles, stressing that suppression and intimidation have no place in a democratic society.
“This development underscores the deeply troubling state of our nation and our democracy, where freedom of speech and movement is increasingly threatened, and where citizens and perceived political opponents face harassment and unnecessary persecution. This cannot be allowed to continue,” he wrote.
“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.”
Obi called on those he described as “bent on undermining our already fragile democracy” to stop and apply the rule of law and tenets of democracy in dealing with citizens.
However, the Kaduna State Police Command said it was not aware of the alleged arrest. The command’s spokesperson, Mansir Hassan, told The Cable: “I am just hearing it from you. Go and make your findings.”
