SOKOTO POLICE ARREST 20 OVER PROTEST, CHARGE SUSPECTS TO COURT

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested about 20 persons in connection with Monday’s protest over the court-ordered remand of Islamic cleric Dahiru Mai Barewa.

The suspects were apprehended after the demonstration demanding Barewa’s release reportedly turned violent, with some protesters allegedly attacking security personnel and attempting to forcefully secure his release from custody.

The arrests were confirmed on Tuesday by the spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmed Rufai, who said the suspects had been charged to court.

“About 20 persons were arrested in connection with the protest, and they have been charged to court,” Rufai told our correspondent.

The development followed a protest in parts of Sokoto metropolis, where youths reportedly blocked some roads and gathered to demand the release of the cleric.

Security personnel reportedly intervened after the protesters became unruly, amid concerns that the demonstration could escalate and disrupt public order.

The police action followed a court order directing the re-arrest and remand of Barewa, who is facing allegations of threatening to kill Islamic scholars Sheikh Musa Ayyuba Lukuwa and Malam Murtala Bello Assada.

The allegations reportedly stemmed from videos circulated on social media in which Barewa was allegedly seen making threats against the two clerics.

Barewa was reportedly said to have linked the alleged threat against Lukuwa to comments attributed to the cleric concerning the parents of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), while also referring to disagreements with some authorities.

Assada had earlier alleged that the threats were reported to security agencies, claiming that Barewa repeatedly threatened him and Lukuwa in different videos.

Rufai said the suspects had been subjected to the appropriate legal process, stressing that grievances should be addressed through lawful channels rather than confrontation.

He also urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring that the command would continue to take necessary measures to protect lives and property.

Normalcy has since returned to the affected areas, while security personnel remain on alert to prevent any further breakdown of law and order.