After nine years in detention, an Ilorin-based Islamic scholar and preacher identified as Abdullahi Mustapha Berende, who was arrested over alleged links with terrorist group, Al-Qaeda has regained freedom.
WITHIN NIGERIA reports that Berende was arrested in 2012 by the secret police after being accused of terrorism and espionage.
According to a report by Daily Trust, the Ilorin-based Islamic cleric arrived his home town over the weekend in the company of few family members.
Family members, friends and associates reportedly held thanksgiving to celebrate his release after a special prayer was conducted for him at his family house at Idi-Ape, Ilorin East Local Government area of the state.
It was learnt that the DSS had initially refused to release him despite several court orders, and repeatedly accused him of spying for the government of Republic of Iran.
Although he denied the charges and was granted bail by the Federal High court, Ilorin, the DSS re-arraigned him in another court in Abuja.