Police arrest 20 over Sokoto protest demanding detained cleric’s release

About 20 people have been arrested in Sokoto after a protest demanding the release of Islamic cleric Dahiru Barewa reportedly turned violent.

The demonstration followed a court order for Barewa’s re-arrest and remand. Protesters gathered in parts of Sokoto metropolis, blocked some roads and demanded that he be released. Security personnel intervened after some youths allegedly attacked officers and tried to take Barewa from custody.

The spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmed Rufai, confirmed the arrests on Tuesday. “About 20 persons were arrested in connection with the protest, and they have been charged to court,” Rufai said.

The allegations against Barewa reportedly stem from videos circulated on social media in which he was allegedly seen threatening to kill Islamic scholars Sheikh Musa Ayyuba Lukuwa and Malam Murtala Bello Assada. Barewa was said to have linked the alleged threat against Lukuwa to comments attributed to the cleric about the parents of Prophet Muhammad, while also referring to disputes with some authorities.

Assada had earlier said the alleged threats were reported to security agencies and that Barewa had threatened him and Lukuwa repeatedly in different videos. Police urged residents to address grievances through lawful channels and said they would continue measures to protect lives and property. Normalcy returned to the affected areas, although security personnel remained on alert.

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About 20 persons were arrested in connection with the protest, and they have been charged to court.