The Department of State Services (DSS) has reportedly arrested a traditional worshipper, identified as Balogun Odofin, for allegedly burning a copy of the Qur’an.
The arrest was confirmed by Abdulazeez Adegbola, a controversial Ibadan-based traditionalist popularly known as Tani Olohun on his Facebook page.
Tani Olohun, who has himself faced similar accusations, disclosed the development on Wednesday.
“He’s currently at Eleyele DSS office, Ibadan,” he said.
However, SaharaReporters could not confirm the arrest from the DSS as it has failed to replace its spokesperson, Dr Peter Afunanya, who was redeployed last September.
While addressing a press conference at the headquarters of the service in Abuja following his redeployment, Afunanya explained that the new media policy of the service is to be less visible in the media and public spaces.
The recent decision took the agency back to its former practice of secrecy, characterised by a lack of transparency, accountability, and openness in its interactions with the public and media.
The reported arrest comes nearly two years after Tani Olohun was arrested by the Nigerian police in November 2023.
He was arraigned in Ilorin, Kwara State, for allegedly burning the Qur’an and defaming prominent Muslim figures in the region.
Tani Olohun while addressing the court following his bail, Tani Olohun apologised to the Muslim community, including prominent cleric Alfa Labeeb, for his actions.
He pleaded for forgiveness and pledged to respect religious symbols and beliefs in the future.
“I didn’t know that burning the Quran was an offence,” he explained. “As soon as I was informed, I immediately removed the video of the incident from my social media account within a minute.”
He added, “I appeal to my accusers and Muslims everywhere to forgive me. I promise never to post such offensive videos on social media again.”
Meanwhile, Oba Sefiu Olawale Oyebola Adeyeri III, the Aseyin of Iseyinland, has condemned the burning of the Holy Quran in Iseyin, Oyo State, describing it as a grave and despicable act that cannot and should not be condoned.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Oba Sefiu stated that burning the Quran is an attack not only on Islam but also on the sanctity of religious harmony, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence, which are values we strive to uphold in our communities and the world at large.
The statement read, “As leaders and representatives of the people, we strongly condemn this heinous act. It is an affront to the teachings of all faiths, which emphasize respect for one another’s beliefs and practices. Such actions sow seeds of discord and incite unnecessary tension among people of different religions and backgrounds.
“To our Muslim brothers and sisters, we urge calm and restraint in the face of this provocation. Let us not allow this unworthy act to derail our collective efforts to maintain peace and unity.”
Sefiu noted that the appropriate authorities must take swift and decisive action to investigate this matter and bring the perpetrator(s) to justice.
“We call on all stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, government officials, and civil society, to join hands in fostering a culture of respect and understanding.
“Let us educate our people about the importance of tolerance and ensure that acts of religious desecration have no place in our society,” he said.
“Finally, to the global community, let this incident remind us of the critical need to stand united against all forms of religious intolerance. Peace can only thrive when we honor each other’s beliefs and live as brothers and sisters in a shared world.
“Let us all continue to work toward a future where acts of hatred are replaced by actions of love and mutual respect,” he added.
Discover more from Defence News Ng
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Reach an audience of millions.
For advert enquiries, please contact us on:
Email: [email protected] | [email protected]
