Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested an Osun-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Daood Imran Molaasan, following a pro-Palestine protest held in the state, according to Western Post.

Sheikh Molaasan, who leads the Ta’awunu Muslimeen group, was reportedly taken into custody after a video surfaced online showing him and his followers calling for the liberation of Palestine, which they described as being under Israeli occupation.

 The footage, which showed members of the group marching and raising the Palestinian flag, quickly went viral and triggered widespread debate on social media. While many expressed solidarity with the Palestinian cause, others raised security concerns over the activities and methods of the group.

Ta’awunu Muslimeen, which presents itself as an Islamic movement focused on religious teachings and global Muslim issues, has organised similar pro-Palestine demonstrations in the past, including a rally in 2018.

  During the recent march in Iwo, participants were seen pledging allegiance to the Qur’an and Sunnah. However, certain elements of the video particularly the coordinated arm gestures drew criticism, with some observers likening them to Nazi-style salutes.

The involvement of children chanting strong religious slogans during the protest further heightened concerns, especially against the backdrop of Nigeria’s long-standing security challenges linked to religious extremism.

As of the time of filing this report, the DSS has yet to issue an official statement on the arrest or outline any charges against the cleric.