The Department of State Services (DSS) has confirmed that its operatives had served official invitation letters on Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmed Gumi to aid an ongoing investigation.
He had since been released according to the account of an online media outlet on Friday.
DSS spokesman, Peter Afunnaya, who confirmed his arrest to newsmen on Friday in Abuja, said “It’s not out of place for the Service to invite any person of interest.”
Afunnaya, however, did not state the reason why Gumi was invited for questioning.
VOA Hausa had reported that the invitation came after a controversy between Mr Gumi and the Nigerian Army.
Speaking on a television program monitored on Wednesday, the cleric alleged that security agents played a role in the insecurity plaguing Nigeria by collaborating with the bandits who engage in killing and kidnapping for ransom.
The Nigerian Army responded to Mr Gumi’s allegation in a statement, saying, “It is essential to remind ourselves that this same military, being accused of connivance, are the ones who recently put their lives on the line to rescue abductees of the Government Secondary School, Birnin Yauri from kidnappers,” explained the army.
The statement added, “While the NA will not attempt to excuse the possibility of black sheep amongst its fold, it must be stated unambiguously that it will not condone any form of sabotage or aiding and assisting the enemy by any personnel.”
The army insisted that its soldiers always adhered to rules of engagement and protection of fundamental human rights.
Gumi is not unknown for making controversial statements regarding bandits and killer herdsmen.
On Wednesday, he described bandits and killer herdsmen’s atrocities as “a tribal war,” accusing the government of taking sides.
“What you call banditry when you cross to the other side, you find out Nigeria is fighting a tribal war,” he explained.
The DSS spokesperson did not also state whether Gumi was arrested after the questioning by its operatives.
However, a Twitter user with the handle @HarunMisbahu announced that Mr Gumi “is back home strong.”
“SHEIKH AHMAD GUMI invited by DSS. He has honor the invitation. Alhamdulillah he is back home strong.
” May God brings an end to this insecurity problems disturbing our nation Southern media both electronic and press media should make this news as their headlines,” he said.
