The controversial Islamic cleric who was declared wanted by the Kwara State Police command for allegedly making threats against traditionalists in Ilorin, Alfa Salah Ayodeji, has been apprehended and subsequently paraded by the police.
Appearing visibly remorseful and apologetic, Ayodeji expressed his regret when paraded by the police in Ilorin on Wednesday evening. He pleaded for forgiveness, stating that he had not realized the dangerous and potentially disruptive nature of his actions.
Contrary to his previous video statements, Ayodeji asserted that the state Commissioner of Police, Ebunoluwarotimi Adelesi, was not involved in sending him to threaten the traditionalists nor was she aware of his visit to the shop of the traditionalists.
Ismail, as he is also known, spoke candidly to journalists at the Police headquarters, admitting that he had not comprehended the severity of his actions, which could have led to a religious conflict in Ilorin.
He revealed that he owns two Quranic schools, one in Ilorin and another in Ogbomoso, Oyo state. Ismail extended his apologies to the couple who were the targets of his threats, the traditional religion worshipers, Muslim groups, and the Alaran family, where he had gone to confront the traditional religion devotees.
Ismail acknowledged, “It is true that I went to Alaran compound to threaten and warn Tajudeen and his wife about Isese religion which I think they were worshipping. I didn’t know that what I was doing was dangerous and could lead to a religious war. I want to beg all Nigerians to pardon me for what I had done.”
He went on to ask for forgiveness from all those involved, including Nigerians, the state government, the state Police command, and the traditionalists. He emphasized that he had no prior police record.
Recalling the incident, Ayodeji had threatened traditional religious devotees during a visit to their shop in Ilorin. He ordered the landlords at Alaran compound, Ilorin, where the traditionalists sold TV sets, to evict them from the shop and refund the rent they had paid. The eviction was promptly carried out in response to his demands.
Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Mrs. Ebunoluwarotimi Adelesi, had described Ayodeji as a wanted terrorist and ordered his family to produce him before a deadline on Wednesday. She condemned his actions, considering them criminal behavior with the potential to disrupt law and order in the state. The police commissioner also criticized the Alaran family for their role in the incident, including driving the couple out of the area and refunding their rent against their wishes.
