The controversial Nigerian Islamic preacher Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has commented on the widely publicized detention of Tukur Mamu, his aide, who was taken into custody in Cairo, Egypt.
Earlier, SaharaReporters said that Mamu was detained together with his family while traveling to Saudi Arabia for a lesser Hajj.
Gumi responded to Mamu’s arrest by stating that he heard about it but had no idea why Mamu had been taken into custody.
Gumi said, “I am just hearing that he was detained in Cairo with his family. I am not aware of why that would happen and because the Nigerian government did not charge him for anything or declare him wanted at any time.
“But I have also heard that he is on his way back to Nigeria, so I hope to have more information upon his arrival later today.”
It was gathered that Mamu was detained at the Cairo International Airport for 24 hours and is being repatriated to Nigeria, many outlets are reporting.
Meanwhile, earlier speaking, Mamu had said, “I was not harassed at the Nigerian Airport until I got to Cairo when the security officials there told me that they had orders to arrest me by the Nigerian Department of State Security (DSS). We were arrested alongside my family members for the whole day at Cairo Airport.”
Mamu is expected to arrive at Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano on Wednesday afternoon.
Recall that Mamu acted as the lead negotiator for the release of hostages taken by bandits during the March 28 Abuja-Kaduna train attack.
However, he announced his withdrawal from the negotiations recently, citing death threats from Nigerian authorities.
