Ilorin-based Islamic scholar and preacher, Abdullahi Mustapha Berende, who was arrested over alleged links with Al-Qaeda, has regained freedom after nine years in detention.
In 2012, he was picked up by DSS operatives who accused him of terrorism and espionage.
Berende arrived Ilorin over the weekend in the company of few family members.
A special prayer was conducted for him at his family house at Idi-Ape, Ilorin East Local Government area of the state.
His family members, friends and associates also held thanksgiving to celebrate his release.
The DSS had initially refused to release him despite several court orders.
During his second year in custody, Berende escaped being killed during a shootout with some Boko Haram members in a failed jailbreak attempt at the service’s facility in Asokoro.
