The Kaduna State-based Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar has said he was invited by the state security service and released after questioning.

Speaking in a viral video on Tuesday hours after a former presidential candidate Peter Obi posted about his arrest, the prominent scholar said he was not detained by the service contrary to reports circulating in some quarters.

He said, “I was speaking today to correct reports circulating in some quarters. I was not detained by the DSS. I was invited for questioning. I cooperated fully and was released.”

The cleric, who did not disclose why he was invited and grilled by the agency, stated that he was free and safe, urging supporters to remain calm and peaceful. 

“I am free. I am free. I am well,” Mr Umar added. “I want to appeal to all our supporters and Kaduna citizens to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding. No one should take the law into his hand. No one should create disorder in the name of loyalty.”

The African Democratic Congress chieftain called on supporters to remain calm over the ongoing trial of a former governor Nasir El Rufai, urging them to register, vote and choose better leadership when the time comes.

The cleric stated, “On the matter of our leader, Nasir El Rufai, let’s be patient and let due process take its course. Let’s continue to pray and let’s keep peace.

“And to everyone dissatisfied by the current system, the answer is very simple: register, vote and choose better leadership when the time comes.”

Mr Obi, in a statement on X, had revealed that the religious scholar was allegedly arrested shortly after he visited him at his residence in Kaduna on Sunday. 

Describing the arrest as undemocratic and suppressive, Mr Obi wrote, “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.”

Meanwhile, the SSS public relations unit earlier told Peoples Gazette that the agency was unaware of Mr Umar’s arrest.