The Department of State Services (DSS) has reportedly arrested an Osun-based Islamic Cleric, Sheikh Daood Imran Molaasan over ‘free Palestine protest’ in Iwo, Osun State.
The arrest of the leader of Ta’awunu Muslimeen group follows the online publication of a video in which Sheikh Molaasan and his followers called for freedom for Palestine, which is currently under occupation by the State of Israel.
The video of the group raising the Palestinian flag had gone viral on social media and sparked intense debate, with many expressing security concerns over the activities of Ta’awunu, which has organised pro-Palestine activities in the recent past.
Ta’awunu, which positions itself as a group dedicated to Islamic teachings and global Muslim causes, had organised comparable protests, including a pro-Palestine event in 2018.
Participants in the Iwo march could be seen professing allegiance to the Qur’an and Sunnah, while certain actions in the video—especially the synchronised arm movements—have elicited criticism, with some drawing parallels to a Nazi-style salute.
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The involvement of children chanting strong religious slogans during the protest further heightened concerns, especially against the backdrop of Nigeria’s long-standing security challenges linked to religious extremism.
As of the time of filing this report, the DSS has yet to issue an official statement on the arrest or outline any charges against the cleric.
– Western Post