Former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, has raised concerns over the alleged arrest of a Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar, shortly after hosting him on Sunday.
In a post shared on his X page on Tuesday, Obi said he received information about the arrest early in the morning, describing the development as worrisome and indicative of growing pressure on civil liberties.
He warned that the situation reflects “a deeply troubling state” of the country, where fundamental rights such as freedom of speech and movement are increasingly under threat.
“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.
Obi further cautioned that such actions undermine democratic values and the rule of law.
“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.
“I respectfully call on all those bent on undermining our already fragile democracy to please stop and apply the rule of law and tenets of democracy in dealing with citizens.”
However, the Kaduna State Police Command has denied knowledge of the alleged arrest.
The command’s spokesperson, Mansir Hassan, while speaking to The Cable, said he had not been briefed on the matter.
“I am just hearing it from you. Go and make your findings,” he said.
