Isese: Kwara Police Arrest Salah Ayodeji Who Was Declared A Wanted Terrorist
Islamic cleric apologizes for threatening traditionalists in Ilorin
The police in Ilorin have arrested and paraded an Islamic cleric, Alfa Salah Ayodeji, who was declared wanted for allegedly terrorizing some traditional religion practitioners in the city.
The cleric, who appeared remorseful and regretful, said he did not realize that his action was dangerous and could cause a breach of peace.
He also denied that the state commissioner of Police, Ebunoluwarotimi Adelesi, had sent him or was aware of his visit to the shop of the traditionalists.
Ayodeji, who runs two Quranic schools in Ilorin and Ogbomoso, Oyo state, said he had apologized to the couple, the traditional religion worshipers, the Muslim groups and the Alaran family where he had gone to threaten the traditionalists.
He said, “I went to Alaran compound to warn and intimidate Tajudeen and his wife who I thought were practicing Isese religion. I did not know that what I did was dangerous and could lead to a religious crisis.
“So, I am begging all Nigerians to forgive me for what I did. I am begging Tajudeen, the Alaran family and the Alfas for what I did. Nobody sent me, I only realized that what I did was wrong when the video went viral”
He pleaded with Nigerians, the state government, the state Police command and the traditionalists involved in the matter to pardon him, saying that he had no criminal record before now.
It would be recalled that Ayodeji had visited the shop of the traditionalists in Ilorin and ordered their landlords at Alaran compound to evict them and return their rent money. The landlords complied with his order.
The video of his action had gone viral on social media, sparking outrage and condemnation.
The state Police commissioner had summoned his family on Monday and ordered them to produce him by Wednesday.
She had described him as a terrorist who was wanted by the state Police Command.
She had also criticized his family for not educating their son against his criminal behaviour, which she said could have caused a breakdown of law and order in the state.
Also, she had rebuked the Alaran family for forcing the couple out of their shop and refunding their rent against their will.
