Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Abuja, Nigeria — On December 16, 2025, operatives of Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) detained Sheikh Daood Imran Molaasan, an Islamic cleric and leader of the Ta’awunu Muslimeen group in Osun State, after a pro-Palestine protest in the city of Iwo went viral on social media, thrusting the nation into a fraught public debate over the boundaries of security enforcement, freedom of expression and the state’s approach to public demonstrations.
The arrest, confirmed by multiple news outlets, followed the circulation of a video showing Sheikh Molaasan and his followers marching with Palestinian flags and chanting slogans calling for the “liberation of Palestine” from what they described as Israeli occupation. The footage drew mixed reactions: some applauded the demonstration as an expression of solidarity with the Palestinian cause, while others raised alarm over certain gestures and the presence of children chanting intense religious slogans, with critics likening some coordinated arm movements to extremist symbolism.
The DSS has not yet issued an official statement detailing specific charges against the cleric or explaining the legal basis for his detention. Nigerian security agencies historically justify such interventions on grounds of national security and public order, especially when demonstrations attract elements perceived as potentially destabilising or misaligned with constitutional provisions. Critics, however, contend that detaining an individual for participating in a solidarity protest raises serious questions about civil liberties and the limits of state power in regulating peaceful expression.
Sheikh Molaasan heads Ta’awunu Muslimeen, an organisation that describes itself as rooted in Islamic teachings and committed to global Muslim causes. The group has organized demonstrations in support of Palestine in the past, including a notable rally in 2018. The recent march through Iwo, during which followers pledged allegiance to the Qur’an and Sunnah, was intended by organisers to highlight support for Palestinians amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Public reactions to the arrest have been sharply divided, revealing deeper tensions over national security priorities and the scope of allowable political and religious expression in Nigeria. Supporters of the cleric argue that solidarity with international causes, including the plight of Palestinians, should be protected under constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression and assembly. They maintain that peaceful protests — even on highly emotive global issues — are a legitimate form of civic engagement. Conversely, others warn that public demonstrations led by religious figures can risk inflaming sectarian sensitivities or be co-opted by extremist elements, a concern heightened by Nigeria’s ongoing struggle with various armed groups and extremist movements within its borders.
Legal experts and civil rights advocates have entered the conversation, underlining the complex interplay between Nigeria’s security apparatus and fundamental rights. While the government retains responsibility for maintaining public order and preventing violent or inciteful conduct, critics argue that the detention of individuals based solely on peaceful protest activities may contravene international norms and domestic constitutional protections. They note that any such arrests should be justified by transparent legal processes and subjected to prompt judicial review to safeguard basic freedoms.
Nigeria’s constitution guarantees freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, but these rights are not absolute. They may be limited by law in the interest of public safety, public order, health or morals. Determining when a protest crosses the threshold from protected speech to a threat requiring detention often involves nuanced assessments, and in high-profile cases such as this, diverging interpretations can fuel broader societal debate.
The broader context of this incident includes a national climate in which security agencies are vigilant against both internal and external threats. With ongoing concerns about terrorism, separatist movements and sectarian tensions, authorities often justify proactive measures as necessary to forestall violence or prevent the spread of extremist ideologies. However, civil liberties organisations have frequently cautioned against overreach, arguing that heavy-handed tactics risk eroding public trust and suppressing legitimate dissent.
The role of social media has also been pivotal in shaping public perception of the case. The video of the protest that triggered the DSS action spread rapidly online, prompting both solidarity messages and sharp criticism. In an age where digital platforms can amplify political and social movements, the government’s response to online activism is increasingly scrutinised as a barometer of democratic openness.
Several civil society organisations have called for an independent inquiry into the events that led to the arrest, urging transparency from security agencies about the precise legal grounds for detaining a religious leader over a protest that many observers describe as peaceful. They emphasise the importance of distinguishing between genuine security concerns and legitimate expressions of public opinion, especially on international matters.
Meanwhile, human rights lawyers have indicated that if formal charges are filed against Sheikh Molaasan, due process must be strictly followed. They assert that any detention pending prosecution should respect statutory time limits and that individuals must be afforded access to legal representation. Additionally, they stress that the courts should play an active role in reviewing the legality of state actions that intersect with fundamental freedoms.
Political commentators have noted that the episode could influence perceptions of Nigeria’s democratic credentials both domestically and internationally. As Nigeria positions itself as a key voice in regional and global affairs, its handling of protests related to geopolitical issues may reverberate beyond its borders. The sensitivity surrounding discussions of Palestine, which resonate across diverse religious and political constituencies in Nigeria, further complicates the discourse.
In Osun State and across Nigeria, conversations are likely to continue as the public and policymakers assess how best to balance national security imperatives with the protection of civil liberties. The DSS detainment of Sheikh Molaasan stands as a flashpoint in ongoing national debates about the role of the state in regulating public expression, the rights of individuals to advocate for causes they believe in, and the limits of enforcement in a democratic society.
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