The Enugu State Police Command has come under criticism from members of the Muslim community following the arrest and continued detention of two prominent Islamic leaders over an alleged ₦100 million fraud.

Those in custody include the 74-year-old Director of the Islamic Centre in Uwani, Alhaji Musa Ani, and the Sarikin Hausawa of Enugu, Alhaji Suleiman Haruna Sule. Both men are currently being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID). The allegations against them stem from claims of misappropriating ₦100 million—an accusation strongly rejected by the Muslim Ummah in Enugu, which described the figure as fictitious and unrealistic.

Community members argue that the Islamic Centre operates primarily on modest donations from worshippers and has never managed funds close to the amount cited. They insist the case is rooted in internal disagreements rather than criminal conduct.

A petition dated March 1, submitted to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, by the Civil Rights Realisation and Advancement Network (CRRAN), outlined the sequence of events. According to the document, Alhaji Musa Ani was arrested on February 27 following a complaint reportedly filed by Alhaji Ezeani Ibrahim, a tenant in one of the centre’s commercial properties. The following day, Alhaji Suleiman Haruna Sule visited the police headquarters in an effort to secure bail for Ani but was also detained.

Olu Omotayo, President of CRRAN, condemned the arrests, describing the allegations as fabricated and politically motivated. He accused the police of attempting to discredit respected Muslim leaders and criticised what he termed the practice of arresting individuals on Fridays to prolong detention over the weekend without timely access to legal remedies.

Reports indicate that the police may seek a remand order from a Magistrate Court, a move that critics believe could limit the detainees’ opportunity to defend themselves promptly.

Appeals have been directed to the Inspector General of Police and Governor Peter Mbah, urging immediate intervention and the release of the detained leaders. The situation has heightened tensions within the Muslim community, particularly as preparations for Ramadan are underway. Petitioners argue that any financial dispute should be resolved internally by the mosque’s governing body rather than through criminal prosecution.