Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has raised concerns over the reported arrest of a religious leader who hosted him during a recent visit to Kaduna State.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, March 24, Obi said he was informed that Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar was taken into custody shortly after receiving him on Sunday, March 22.
“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,” he wrote.
Obi described the development as troubling, warning that it reflects what he termed a declining respect for civil liberties and democratic norms in the country.
He expressed concern over what he said were increasing restrictions on freedom of expression and movement, as well as alleged harassment of citizens.
According to him, “This development underscores the deeply troubling state of our nation and our democracy… This cannot be allowed to continue.”
He stressed the need for authorities to uphold constitutional rights and the rule of law, adding that the protection of free speech and dissent is fundamental to any functioning democracy.
“This country must defend freedom and free speech… Suppression and intimidation of dissent can never stand in a democratic society,” he said.
Obi also urged relevant authorities to ensure that their actions do not undermine democratic institutions or erode public confidence in governance.
As of press time, The News Chronicle gathered that authorities had yet to issue an official response regarding the arrest or the circumstances surrounding it.
