Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested an Osun-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Daood Imran Molaasan, following a pro-Palestine protest held in Iwo on Sunday.
Sheikh Molaasan, who leads the Ta’awunu Muslimeen group, was reportedly detained after a video circulated online showing him and his followers calling for the liberation of Palestine, which they described as being under Israeli occupation.
The video, which captured members of the group marching through the town and waving Palestinian flags, went viral on social media and sparked mixed reactions. While several users expressed support for the Palestinian cause, others raised concerns about security and the conduct of the protest.
Ta’awunu Muslimeen describes itself as an Islamic movement centred on religious teachings and advocacy on global Muslim issues. The group has organised similar pro-Palestine rallies in the past, including a demonstration in 2018.
During the latest march, participants were seen pledging allegiance to the Qur’an and Sunnah. However, parts of the footage, particularly coordinated arm gestures, drew criticism, with some observers comparing them to Nazi-style salutes.
The presence of children chanting strong religious slogans during the protest also heightened public concern, given Nigeria’s history of security challenges linked to religious extremism.
As of the time of filing this report, the DSS has not released an official statement on the arrest or disclosed any charges against the cleric.
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