Kaduna-based Islamic cleric Ahmad Umar has denied claims that he was detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) after hosting Peter Obi in Kaduna.
Mr Obi had said in a post on X on Tuesday that the cleric was arrested after meeting him on Sunday.
He described the development as a threat to freedom of speech and political expression.
“I have just been made aware that Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar has been arrested by authorities shortly after hosting me,” Obi said, without naming the agency involved.
In a video released hours later, Cleric Umar said the claim was not correct.
“I am speaking today to correct a false report being circulated. 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.”
Umar said people should remain calm and obey the law.
“No one should take the law into his hands. No one should create disorder in the name of loyalty,” he said.
He asked citizens to use democratic processes to express concerns.
“The answer is very simple: register, vote, and choose better leadership when the time comes,” he added.
Obi had earlier called for Umar’s release, saying the reported arrest raised concerns about civil rights and the rule of law.
He urged authorities to respect democratic principles in their dealings with citizens.
