Nigeria, March 24 -- In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, March 24, Obi said he was informed that Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar was taken into custody shortly after receiving him on Sunday, March 22.

"I have just been made aware early this morning that revered religious leader, Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar, has been arrested by authorities shortly after hosting me in Kaduna," he wrote.

Obi described the development as troubling, warning that it reflects what he termed a declining respect for civil liberties and democratic norms in the country.

He expressed concern over what he said were increasing restrictions on freedom of expression and movement, as well as alleged harassment of citizens.

According to him, "This devel...