Wajid (Sunatimes) Al-Shabaab rebel group in Bakol region of Somalia has released a prominent local cleric from custody after keeping him behind bars for more than four days.

A brother of the cleric Sheikh Mohamed Sheikh Ali confirmed to Bar-kulan Radio the release of his brother who was arrested in the area on Sunday night.

Local traditional elders secured his release after pleading with militia leaders.

Sheikh Ibrahim Sheikh Hussein was on Sunday night whisked away from his house in Wajid town by hooded militia men who later took him into custody.

Eyewitnesses claimed the militia physical assaulted the Sheikh before keeping him behind bars.

The militia is known for carrying out arbitrary arrests, detentions and restriction of free speech in areas under their control.