The Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Sani-Omolori, has bugun a “thorough and discreet” investigation into some allegedly inciting comments made by an imam over the death of popular cleric, Malam Idris Abdulazeez Dutsen-Tanshi.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, CSP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, said in a press statement that the Imam who was said to have made the inciting remarks has been arrested by the police.
He said the commissioner appealed for calm as he directed the State Intelligence Department (SID) to investigate the incident.
Wakil said: “On April 4, 2025, at about 14:45 hours, a concerned citizen reported an incident involving Ahmad Isa Jaja, the Chief Imam of Galli Mosque in the Jahun area of Bauchi metropolis.
“During his Friday sermon, the Imam made inappropriate remarks towards the late Malam Idris Abdulazeez Dutsen-Tanshi during his Friday sermon. This statement incited unrest among the followers of late Malam Idris, who subsequently gathered at the mosque to express their discontent.”
He said in response to the situation, the police commissioner promptly deployed a team of tactical units led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Dutsen-Tanshi to the location.
“They effectively intervened to ensure the safety of both the Imam and the congregation, dispersing the crowd in a peaceful and professional manner,” he said.
“Following this intervention, the Imam was taken into protective custody, and the commissioner directed the Special Investigation Department (SID) to initiate a comprehensive investigation into the incident.”
Aliyu emphasised the importance of religious leaders, recognising their rights to freedom of expression while urging them to refrain from using the pulpit to express insults, derogatory and abusive remarks towards any individual or group.
He added: “These leaders must foster an environment of peace and harmony within the community through their sermons, irrespective of different opinions or religious beliefs.
“Accordingly, it is crucial that they demonstrate respect for established authorities moving forward.”
