Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Ahmad Umar, has dismissed reports that he was arrested and detained after hosting former presidential candidate Peter Obi.

The controversy began after Obi, the former candidate of the Labour Party, claimed in a post on X that the cleric had been taken into custody shortly after their meeting, raising concerns about democratic freedoms.

However, Umar refuted the claim in a video message, clarifying that he was not arrested or detained by the Department of State Services.

“I was invited for questioning. I cooperated fully, and I was released. I am free. I am safe. And I am well,” he stated.

He urged his followers and the public to remain calm and avoid actions that could disrupt peace or public order.

Umar also advised citizens to channel their concerns through lawful and democratic means, encouraging participation in elections as a way to drive change.

“The answer is very simple: register, vote, and choose better leadership when the time comes,” he added.

The clarification comes amid growing public reactions to the initial claim, helping to ease concerns over the alleged arrest.