Tension reportedly gripped a neighbourhood in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Monday morning following an alleged attempt by some Nigerian police officers from Ilorin to arrest popular Islamic cleric, Tani Olohun.
According to reports, the officers arrived in Ibadan to take the cleric into custody, but the operation was reportedly disrupted after residents of the area mobilised and resisted the move.
The residents were said to have expressed concern that Tani Olohun could be taken from Ibadan to Ilorin against his will, prompting heightened tension in the community.
Sources further claimed that the development was brought to the attention of the Olubadan Palace, while activist Chief Sunday Igboho was also reportedly contacted over the matter.
Igboho was said to have reached out to the Commissioner of Police to question the legality of the proposed arrest and the circumstances surrounding the police operation.
The police, however, reportedly maintained that Tani Olohun had allegedly made statements considered offensive to another religion and should be allowed to face the court to answer to the allegations.
The circumstances surrounding the alleged statements, the identity of the complainant and the specific offence remain unclear as of the time of filing this report.
The development has generated concern among residents, particularly over the manner in which the alleged arrest attempt was carried out and whether the cleric would be transferred from Ibadan to Ilorin.
Efforts to independently verify the claims and obtain an official statement from the police were ongoing as of press time.
More details will be provided as they emerge.