A Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Ahmad Umar, has dismissed claims that he was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) after hosting Peter Obi.

Obi had earlier alleged in a post on X that the cleric was detained shortly after the visit, describing the development as a worrying sign of democratic decline and a threat to freedom of expression.

However, in a video released hours later, Umar refuted the claim, clarifying that he was only invited for questioning and was neither detained nor mistreated.

“I was not detained by the DSS. I was invited for questioning, I cooperated fully, and I have been released. I am free, safe, and well,” he said.

The cleric urged residents and his supporters to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands, stressing the need to maintain peace and order.

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