The Department of State Services (DSS) has reportedly detained a traditional worshipper, identified as Balogun Odofin, for allegedly burning a copy of the Qur’an.
The arrest was disclosed by Abdulazeez Adegbola, an Ibadan-based traditionalist known as Tani Olohun, in a post on his Facebook page.
In his statement on Wednesday, Tani Olohun mentioned, “He is currently being held at the DSS office in Eleyele, Ibadan.” However, independent verification of the arrest from the DSS was not possible, as the agency has not appointed a new spokesperson following the redeployment of Dr. Peter Afunanya in September.
Dr. Afunanya, during his farewell press briefing at DSS headquarters in Abuja, revealed that the agency had adopted a new policy aimed at reducing its visibility in the media. This shift has reinstated the DSS’s earlier approach of operating with minimal public and media engagement, which some have criticized as lacking transparency and accountability.
The alleged arrest comes nearly two years after Tani Olohun himself was detained by the Nigerian police in November 2023. At the time, he faced charges in Ilorin, Kwara State, for allegedly burning a copy of the Qur’an and making defamatory statements against prominent Muslim leaders in the region.
Following his release on bail, Tani Olohun issued an apology to the Muslim community, including well-known cleric Alfa Labeeb. “I was unaware that burning the Quran was considered an offence,” he explained. “As soon as I learned of its implications, I promptly deleted the video from my social media account.” He went on to ask for forgiveness and promised to respect religious beliefs and symbols in the future.
Meanwhile, Oba Sefiu Olawale Oyebola Adeyeri III, the Aseyin of Iseyinland, has strongly condemned the act of burning the Qur’an in Iseyin, Oyo State. In a statement released on Tuesday, the monarch described the incident as a serious affront to religious harmony and respect for different beliefs, which are essential to fostering peace and coexistence.
“The act of burning the Qur’an is a grave offense that goes against the principles of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence,” the statement read. “It is an attack not only on Islam but also on the values of tolerance and understanding that unite our communities and the world.”
The monarch urged the Muslim community to remain calm and exercise restraint, warning against any retaliatory actions. “Let us not allow this provocative incident to disrupt our efforts to maintain peace and unity,” he said. He also called on authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly and take appropriate legal action.
Oba Sefiu further emphasized the need for cooperation among traditional leaders, religious figures, government officials, and civil society to educate people about the importance of respecting religious beliefs. “Acts of religious desecration have no place in our society, and we must ensure such incidents do not occur again,” he added.
In his closing remarks, the monarch appealed to the global community to view this incident as a reminder of the importance of combating religious intolerance. “Peace can only be achieved when we honor and respect one another’s beliefs. Let us replace acts of hatred with love and mutual understanding as we work towards a more harmonious and united future,” he concluded.
