DSS Detains Osun Cleric After Pro-Palestine Demonstration

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested Daood Imran Molaasan, an Islamic cleric from Osun State, after a pro-Palestine protest in the area.

Molaasan, leader of the Ta’awunu Muslimeen group, was reportedly taken into custody following the circulation of a video showing him and his followers calling for the liberation of Palestine, which they described as under Israeli occupation.

The video showed members of the group marching through Iwo while carrying the Palestinian flag. It quickly went viral on social media, drawing a mix of reactions, with some expressing support for the Palestinian cause and others raising security concerns.

Ta’awunu Muslimeen, an Islamic movement focused on religious teachings and global Muslim issues, has previously held similar demonstrations, including a rally in 2018.

During the recent march, participants pledged allegiance to the Qur’an and Sunnah. Some aspects of the protest, including coordinated arm gestures, were criticised by observers who likened them to Nazi-style salutes, while the presence of children chanting strong religious slogans heightened concerns.

The DSS has yet to release an official statement or confirm any charges against Molaasan.