DSS Arrests Islamic Cleric Over Pro-Palestine Protest

• Operatives of the Department of State Services have arrested Islamic cleric Sheikh Daood Imran Molaasan following a viral pro-Palestine demonstration in Iwo, Osun State.

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested an Islamic cleric, Sheikh Daood Imran Molaasan, in connection with a pro-Palestine protest held in Iwo, Osun State.

According to reports, Sheikh Molaasan, who leads the Ta’awunu Muslimeen group, was taken into custody 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 surfaced on Monday, showed members of the group marching through the streets while raising the Palestinian flag. The footage quickly went viral, sparking widespread debate across social media platforms.

While many Nigerians expressed solidarity with the Palestinian cause, others raised security concerns over the activities, structure and methods of the group.

Ta’awunu Muslimeen, an Islamic movement known for its focus on religious teachings and global Muslim issues, has organised similar pro-Palestine demonstrations in the past, including a rally held in 2018.

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During the recent march in Iwo, participants were seen pledging allegiance to the Qur’an and Sunnah. However, aspects of the video, particularly the coordinated arm gestures by protesters, drew criticism, with some observers comparing them to Nazi-style salutes.

The participation of children chanting strong religious slogans during the protest further heightened public concern, especially amid Nigeria’s long-standing security challenges linked to religious extremism.

As of the time of filing this report, the DSS has not issued an official statement regarding the arrest or disclosed any charges against the cleric.