The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested about 20 people following a protest in Sokoto over the continued detention of Islamic cleric, Dahiru Mai Barewa.
The demonstration, which took place on Monday, reportedly became tense after some youths allegedly attacked security personnel and attempted to gain access to the facility where the cleric was being held.
The protesters were said to have taken to the streets to demand Mai Barewa’s release following a court order directing his re-arrest and remand.
Confirming the arrests on Tuesday, the police spokesperson, DSP Ahmed Rufai, said the suspects had already been taken to court.
He said, “About 20 persons were arrested in connection with the protest, and they have been charged to court.”
The protest reportedly disrupted movement in some parts of Sokoto metropolis as demonstrators blocked roads while calling for the release of the cleric.
Police sources said security operatives intervened when the protesters allegedly became unruly and attempted to remove Mai Barewa from custody.
The development came after a court ordered the re-arrest and remand of the Islamic cleric over allegations that he threatened to kill two Islamic scholars, Sheikh Musa Ayyuba Lukuwa and Malam Murtala Bello Assada.
The allegations were reportedly linked to videos circulated on social media in which Mai Barewa was allegedly heard making threats against the two clerics.
Assada had previously alleged that Mai Barewa had repeatedly threatened him and Lukuwa in separate videos, adding that the matter had been reported to security agencies.
The police said their intervention was necessary to prevent the demonstration from escalating into a wider breakdown of law and order.
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Rufai urged residents to pursue their grievances through lawful channels and avoid actions capable of endangering lives and property.
He also appealed for calm, assuring residents that security personnel would continue to maintain peace across the state capital.
Normal activities have reportedly resumed in the affected areas, although security operatives remain on alert to prevent further disturbances.
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