Police arrest 20 over Sokoto protest demanding Mai Barewa’s release

The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested about 20 persons following Monday’s protest by youths demanding the release of Dahiru Mai Barewa.

The protest, which took place in parts of Sokoto metropolis, reportedly became confrontational after some of the protesters allegedly attacked security personnel and attempted to forcefully secure Mai Barewa’s release.

Speaking with our correspondent on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Ahmed Rufai, confirmed the arrests, saying the suspects had been charged to court.

“About 20 persons were arrested, and they have been charged to court,” Rufai said.

The demonstration followed a court order directing the re-arrest and remand of Mai Barewa, who is facing allegations of threatening to kill two Islamic scholars, Sheikh Musa Ayyuba Lukuwa and Malam Murtala Bello Assada.

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The protesters reportedly blocked some roads and demanded Mai Barewa’s release, but security operatives moved in to restore order and prevent the situation from escalating.

Police sources said the intervention became necessary after the protesters allegedly attempted to take Mai Barewa from custody.

The case against Mai Barewa reportedly arose from a series of videos circulated on social media in which he was allegedly seen making threats against the two clerics.

He was said to have linked the alleged threat against Sheikh Lukuwa to comments attributed to the cleric concerning the parents of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). In another video, he reportedly referred to disagreements with some authorities.

Assada had earlier said the alleged threats were reported to security agencies, claiming that Mai Barewa repeatedly threatened him and Sheikh Lukuwa in several videos.

The development has generated public debate in Sokoto, with some youths demanding Mai Barewa’s release, while others have called for the allegations to be subjected to due process.

The police, however, urged residents to remain peaceful and allow the courts to determine the matter, warning against actions capable of disrupting public order.

Following the intervention of security personnel, normalcy has returned to the affected areas of the state capital.