‘DSS Cannot Arrest Me for Placing Bounty on Someone Who Insulted My Prophet,’ Islamic Cleric Insists Pastor Must Be beheaded For Committing Blasphemy Against Muhammad
A Northern Nigeria-based Islamic cleric who placed bounty on the head of an unnamed individual described as a Christian cleric has again dared the Department of State Services DSS, saying any potential arrest amounts to systemic disrespect toward Islam and the Prophet.
In a viral video recorded in Hausa and widely circulated on social media, the cleric reacted angrily to reports following public calls for his arrest after he declared that anyone who insults Prophet Muhammad should be beheaded.
Rather than retract his statement, the cleric doubled down, questioning why security agencies had not yet arrested him and insisting that he had committed no crime.
“Finally, regarding a certain statement or rather, some videos I’ve been seeing on social media. Some people are spreading rumours that I have been arrested. First of all, I want to ask: for what exactly? What did I do to deserve arrest? What is my offence?” he said.
He continued, defending his earlier comments: “Is it because someone insulted the Prophet, and I came out to say that whoever insults the Prophet should be beheaded, is that my crime? That is the question I am asking.”
The cleric accused media organisations, particularly those based in Southern Nigeria, of orchestrating calls for his arrest.
“Secondly, there are newspapers, some from Southern Nigeria, that I have seen publishing calls for my arrest. They are urging the DSS to arrest me,” he said.
READ ALSO: DSS, Police Play Deaf As Islamic Cleric Reaffirms N1Million Bounty On Pastor’s Head Over Alleged Blasphemy
In the video, the cleric announced an increase in the bounty placed on the alleged offender.
“So, because I said N1 million and they are calling for my arrest, I’m now increasing it by another N1 million; it is now N2 million.”
