By Deborah Nnamdi
Former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, has expressed concern over the reported arrest of a prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar, shortly after hosting him in Kaduna.
Obi disclosed the development in a statement posted on March 24, 2026, describing the arrest as alarming and indicative of growing threats to democratic freedoms in the country. According to him, he was informed early Tuesday morning that the cleric had been taken into custody by authorities following their meeting on Sunday in Kaduna.
“I have just been made aware early this morning that revered religious leader, Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar, has been arrested by authorities shortly after hosting me in Kaduna on Sunday,” Obi said.
The former presidential candidate warned that the incident reflects what he described as a disturbing pattern of intimidation and suppression of dissent.
“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 stated.
Obi stressed that freedom of expression and association remain fundamental pillars of any democratic society, cautioning that actions perceived as harassment could erode civil liberties.
“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,” he added.
He further called on relevant authorities to uphold the rule of law and adhere strictly to democratic principles in their engagement with citizens.
“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,” Obi said.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities had yet to issue an official statement detailing the circumstances surrounding the cleric’s arrest.
