Tension erupted in parts of Sokoto metropolis on Monday as angry youths took to the streets to demand the release of Islamic cleric Dahiru Mai Barewa, whose continued detention has sparked growing controversy.
The protesters reportedly blocked some roads and staged demonstrations in different parts of the city before the situation turned confrontational, with security personnel moving in to restore order.
The protest was triggered by a court order directing the re-arrest and remand of Mai Barewa, who is facing allegations of issuing death threats against Islamic scholars Sheikh Musa Ayyuba Lukuwa and Malam Murtala Bello Assada.
According to reports, the allegations stem from a series of videos in which Mai Barewa was allegedly heard threatening the two clerics.
The controversy has become particularly sensitive in Sokoto because of its religious dimension and the support Mai Barewa reportedly enjoys among sections of the youth and community.
His supporters, who were angered by the court order, demanded his immediate release, insisting that the matter should be handled through due process.
But the protest reportedly took a dangerous turn when some demonstrators allegedly confronted security personnel and attempted to force their way into securing Mai Barewa’s release.
A source familiar with the incident said the protesters were attempting to take the law into their own hands.
Security operatives were subsequently deployed to contain the situation, leading to a confrontation that temporarily disrupted movement in some parts of the metropolis. Calm was later restored.
How The Controversy Started
The case against Mai Barewa centres on videos that allegedly contained threats against Lukuwa and Assada.
Reports indicate that one of the alleged threats against Sheikh Lukuwa was connected to comments attributed to the scholar concerning the parents of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Mai Barewa was also reportedly heard referring to disagreements with some authorities in another video.
Assada had earlier alleged that Mai Barewa repeatedly threatened the clerics in several videos and said the matter was reported to security agencies.
The allegations have generated intense debate among religious communities in Sokoto, with some residents calling for the threats to be taken seriously while Mai Barewa’s supporters have continued to demand his release.
The latest street protest has now added a public-order dimension to the already sensitive religious and legal dispute.
Stakeholders have urged both sides to exercise restraint, warning supporters against confronting security personnel or attempting to interfere with the judicial process.
They also called on residents to allow the courts and security agencies to handle the allegations rather than resorting to street action.
Authorities have since restored calm in the affected areas and urged residents to remain peaceful.
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