Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has alleged that a Kaduna-based cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar, was arrested shortly after hosting him on Sunday, raising concerns over civil liberties.
In a post shared on his X platform on Tuesday, 24 March 2026, Obi said he received information about the alleged arrest early in the morning, describing the development as a worrying sign for Nigeria’s democracy.
He stated that the incident reflects “a deeply troubling state” of the nation, where freedom of expression and movement are under increasing strain, particularly for perceived political opponents.
“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.
“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 warned that actions perceived as suppression or intimidation could weaken democratic institutions and erode public confidence in governance.
However, the Kaduna State Police Command said it had no information regarding the alleged arrest.
The command’s spokesperson, Mansir Hassan, said he had not been briefed on the matter when contacted.
“I am just hearing it from you. Go and make your findings,” he told The Cable.
