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The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested about 20 people following Monday’s protest in parts of Sokoto metropolis over the continued remand of Islamic cleric, Dahiru Barewa.
The protesters had demanded Barewa’s release, but the demonstration reportedly turned violent after some youths allegedly attacked security personnel and attempted to force their way to the cleric’s custody.
Confirming the arrests on Tuesday, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Ahmed Rufai, 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 protest reportedly caused tension in parts of the state capital as youths blocked some roads and gathered to demand Barewa’s release.
Police sources said security personnel intervened after the protesters allegedly became unruly and attempted to forcibly secure Barewa’s release from custody.
The development followed a court order directing the re-arrest and remand of Barewa over alleged threats to kill two 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 said to have linked the alleged threat against Sheikh 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 said the alleged threats were reported to security agencies, claiming that Barewa had repeatedly threatened him and Lukuwa in different videos.
The police intervention came amid concerns that the protest could escalate and further disrupt public order in Sokoto metropolis.
Rufai said the suspects had been subjected to due legal process, stressing that grievances should be pursued through lawful means rather than confrontation.
He urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring that the command would continue to take measures to protect lives and property.
Normalcy has reportedly returned to the affected areas, although security personnel remain on alert to forestall any further breakdown of law and order.
