MUSTAPHA, AN ISLAMIC PREACHER SUSPECTED OF HAVING TIES TO AL-QAEDA, FREED AFTER NINE YEARS IN PRISON.

After nine years in prison, Abdullahi Mustapha Berende, an Ilorin-based Islamic scholar and preacher who was detained over claimed ties to terrorist organisation Al-Qaeda, has been released.

Berende was arrested in 2012 by some detectives after being accused of terrorism and espionage.

It was reported that he arrived Ilorin 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.