From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
Tension eased in Sokoto metropolis on Monday following a brief clash between youths protesting the arrest of Dahiru Mai-Barewa and security personnel.
The incident caused a temporary uproar as security operatives intervened to restore order and ensure public safety.
The protest followed a court order for the re-arrest and remand of Mai-Barewa. Some youths in Sokoto expressed opposition to the decision, calling for justice and respect for the rule of law.
The protesters reportedly blocked roads and staged demonstrations in some parts of the city, while security personnel moved to bring the situation under control.
The aggrieved youths allegedly attacked security personnel in an attempt to forcefully free Mai-Barewa, who is accused of threatening to kill Islamic scholars Sheikh Musa Ayyuba Lukuwa and Malam Murtala Bello Assada.
Reports indicate that Mai-Barewa appeared in several videos in which he allegedly threatened the clerics, a development that sparked concern and public debate among residents.
He was said to have linked the alleged threats to comments made by Sheikh Musa Ayyuba Lukuwa concerning the parents of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
In another video, he reportedly referred to disagreements with some authorities.
Earlier, Malam Murtala Bello Assada said the alleged threats had been reported to security agencies, noting that Mai-Barewa had repeatedly threatened them in several videos.
Sheikh Lukuwa is also among the clerics who have attracted public attention in connection with the matter.
As the situation unfolded, the youths reportedly attempted to take matters into their own hands, leading to a confrontation with security operatives.
According to reports, they attempted to seize Mai-Barewa from custody, further heightening tension in the city.
Stakeholders have since called on the public to avoid taking the law into their own hands and to allow the relevant authorities to conduct investigations and take appropriate legal action.
Authorities said normalcy has since returned to the affected areas.