‘I wasn’t detained, only invited for questioning’ — Kaduna ADC chieftain clarifies alleged arrest

Ahmad Tijani Umar, a Kaduna-based Islamic cleric and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has dismissed claims that he was detained by the State Security Service, SSS.

The clarification follows an allegation by the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who on Tuesday claimed that Mr Umar was arrested shortly after hosting him during a visit to Kaduna on Sunday.

Mr Obi had described the alleged arrest as a troubling development, warning of growing threats to freedom of speech and political expression in the country.

However, in a viral video released shortly after the claim, Mr Umar said he was neither arrested nor detained by the State Security Service, SSS, but was only invited for questioning.

“I am speaking today to correct a false report being circulated in some quarters. I was not detained by the DSS,” he said.

“I was invited for questioning. I cooperated fully, and I was released. I am free, I am safe, and I am well.”

The ADC chieftain urged his supporters and residents of Kaduna State to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing the need to maintain peace.

“No one should take the law into his hands. No one should create disorder in the name of loyalty,” he said.

Mr Umar also encouraged citizens to express any dissatisfaction with the political system through democratic means, particularly by participating in elections.

“The answer is very simple: register, vote, and choose better leadership when the time comes,” he added.