The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested about 20 people in connection with Monday’s protest over the court-ordered remand of Islamic cleric, Dahiru Barewa.
The arrests followed a demonstration by youths demanding Barewa’s release, which reportedly turned violent after some protesters allegedly attacked security personnel and attempted to secure his release from custody.
The protest caused tension in parts of Sokoto metropolis, with demonstrators reportedly blocking some roads and staging rallies before security operatives intervened to restore order.
Speaking with our correspondent on Tuesday, the spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmed Rufai, confirmed the arrests.
He said about 20 suspects were apprehended during the incident and had subsequently been charged to court.
“About 20 persons were arrested in connection with the protest, and they have been charged to court,” Rufai said.
According to police sources, security personnel intervened after the protesters allegedly became unruly and attempted to take Barewa away from custody.
The police action followed a court order directing the re-arrest and remand of Barewa, who is accused of threatening to kill Islamic scholars, Sheikh Musa Ayyuba Lukuwa and Malam Murtala Bello Assada.
The allegations reportedly stem 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 making references to disagreements with some authorities.
Assada had earlier said the alleged threats were reported to security agencies, claiming that Barewa had issued repeated threats against him and Lukuwa in different videos.
The police intervention came amid concerns that the protest could escalate and further disrupt public order in Sokoto, the state capital.
Rufai said the arrested suspects had been subjected to the appropriate legal process, stressing that grievances should be pursued through lawful means rather than confrontation.
The police spokesperson also appealed to residents to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring that the command would continue to take necessary steps to safeguard lives and property.
Normalcy has reportedly returned to the affected areas, while security personnel remain on alert to prevent any further breakdown of law and order.
