The Department of State Services (DSS) has reportedly arrested a traditional worshipper, Balogun Odofin, for allegedly burning a copy of the Qur’an, sparking renewed debates on religious tolerance and freedom in Nigeria. The news of the arrest was disclosed by Abdulazeez Adegbola, popularly known as Tani Olohun, a controversial Ibadan-based traditionalist, on his Facebook page.
According to Adegbola, the arrest took place on Wednesday, with Odofin currently being held at the DSS office in Eleyele, Ibadan. “He’s currently at Eleyele DSS office, Ibadan,” Tani Olohun wrote, expressing concern over the development.
Efforts to confirm the arrest from the DSS proved futile, as the agency has not appointed a new spokesperson since the redeployment of Dr. Peter Afunanya in September 2024. Dr. Afunanya, during his exit press conference, stated that the DSS had adopted a new media policy aimed at reducing its visibility in public spaces, a move that has been criticized for promoting a lack of transparency and accountability.
This policy shift has drawn the DSS back into its long-standing tradition of operating under a veil of secrecy, leaving the public and media in the dark about its activities. The lack of openness has made it challenging to verify sensitive incidents, such as the reported arrest of Balogun Odofin.
This incident comes nearly two years after Tani Olohun himself was arrested in November 2023 by the Nigerian police in Ilorin, Kwara State, on similar allegations of burning the Qur’an and making defamatory remarks against prominent Muslim figures.
Following his arrest, Tani Olohun publicly apologized to the Muslim community, including respected cleric Alfa Labeeb, during his court appearance. He admitted to his actions, pleading for forgiveness and pledging to respect religious beliefs going forward.
“I didn’t know that burning the Qur’an was an offence,” he explained. “As soon as I was informed, I immediately removed the video of the incident from my social media account within a minute.” He further promised never to post such content again, urging Muslims to forgive him for his actions.
The arrest of Balogun Odofin has reignited conversations about the delicate balance between freedom of expression and respect for religious beliefs in Nigeria. As a deeply religious and culturally diverse nation, incidents like this continue to highlight the fragility of interfaith relations and the need for dialogue and understanding.
Critics argue that while actions such as desecration of religious texts should not be condoned, the government must ensure that enforcement of laws does not disproportionately target certain individuals or groups. Others have raised concerns about the DSS’s approach, citing the agency’s history of operating in a manner perceived as opaque and heavy-handed.
This latest controversy underscores the urgent need for the government and religious leaders to foster greater tolerance and mutual respect among Nigeria’s diverse religious communities. Human rights advocates have also called on the DSS to address its lack of transparency, ensuring that its actions do not inadvertently exacerbate religious tensions.
As the story continues to unfold, all eyes are on the DSS and other stakeholders to ensure that justice is served fairly and that such incidents do not further deepen divisions within the country.
For now, the reported arrest of Balogun Odofin remains a reminder of the complexities of navigating Nigeria’s multifaceted religious landscape, where the line between personal expression and collective respect must be carefully managed.
PIONEER NEWS 