The Nigeria Police in Enugu State have reportedly stopped the Chief Imam of Owerri Road Central Mosque, Imam Murtala Dahiru, and other Muslim leaders from attending Jumat prayers following a dispute involving a state government appointee. 

The Council of Ulamas and Imams in Enugu State alleged that the action followed a petition by Alhaji Yusuf Sambo, the factional Seriki Hausawa of Enugu State and Special Assistant to Governor Peter Mbah on Special Duties.

According to the council, Sambo claimed to have removed Imam Dahiru as the Chief Imam. The council, however, rejected the claim, saying Sambo had no authority to remove the Imam because Dahiru was appointed by the Council of Ulamas and Imams.

The dispute reportedly escalated on September 30 when Dahiru and other Muslim leaders were arrested after visiting the Department of State Services office in Enugu to submit a petition over the matter.

The council said the DSS declined to receive the petition and directed the group to the police. It alleged that police officers arrested them shortly after they left the DSS office and took them to the State Intelligence Bureau section of the police headquarters.