Police arrest 20 over Sokoto protest for detained Islamic cleric

The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested about 20 persons in connection with Monday’s protest over the court-ordered remand of Dahiru Barewa.

The protesters were arrested after a demonstration demanding Mai Barewa’s release reportedly turned violent, with some youths allegedly attacking security personnel and attempting to forcefully secure his release from custody.

PUNCH Online earlier reported that tension briefly gripped parts of Sokoto metropolis on Monday as youths protesting the continued remand of Barewa clashed with security personnel. 

The protesters, who demanded Barewa’s release, reportedly blocked some roads and staged demonstrations in parts of the city 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 been charged to court.

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

The protest reportedly caused tension in parts of Sokoto metropolis as the youths blocked some roads and gathered to demand the release of Mai Barewa.

According to police sources, security personnel intervened after the protesters allegedly became unruly and attempted to take Barewa from custody.

The command’s 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 arose from videos circulated on social media in which Mai 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 disclosed that the alleged threats were reported to security agencies, saying Mai Barewa had made repeated threats against him and Lukuwa in different videos.

The police intervention came amid concerns that the protest could escalate and disrupt public order in the state capital.

Rufai said the suspects had been taken through the appropriate legal process, reinforcing the command’s position that grievances should be addressed through lawful channels rather than confrontation.

The police spokesperson also urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing that the command would continue to take necessary measures to protect lives and property.

Normalcy has since returned to the affected areas, while security personnel remain on alert to prevent any further breakdown of law and order.