Police detain 22-year-old undergraduate for allegedly inciting religious violence in Zamfara

Police detain 22-year-old undergraduate for allegedly inciting religious violence in Zamfara

By Sadiq Sadiq

The Police Command in Zamfara has detained a 22-year-old man for allegedly attempting to incite religious violence in Maradun local government area.

The Zamfara State Commissioner of Police CP AM Bello confirmed the arrest while parading the suspect before newsmen in Gusau on Tuesday.

Bello said that the young man, dressed in the uniform of Jama’atu Izalatil Bidi’a Wa’ikamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), Zamfara State Chapter, was allegedly heard chanting a song containing the words: “give us rifles to go and kill Christians.”

“The individual was seen in the company of pupils from two Islamic schools in Maradun Local Government Area of the State.

“Following the emergence of the video, the Command promptly deployed its intelligence resources to identify the individuals involved and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“Preliminary findings indicate that the video was recorded on Friday, 23 October 23, 2026, while the suspect was reportedly on his way to Aliyu Ibn Abi Thalib Mosque, where he and others were said to have provided security during Friday prayers and preaching.

“The schools identified in connection with the video are Nurul Islam Islamiya and Akidatul Sahiha Islamiya, both located in Maradun Local Government Area, approximately 120 kilometres from Gusau, the State capital,” he said.

Bello said that as part of its immediate response, the Command engaged the leadership of JIBWIS at both national and State levels.

According to him, the organisation disassociated itself from the suspect’s alleged conduct and the content of the video.

The commissioner said that the suspect was subsequently apprehended by JIBWIS and handed over to the Zamfara State Police Command for investigation.

“The suspect has been identified as Umar Ibrahim Gandi Maradun, a Nigerian citizen and native of Maradun Local Government Area, Zamfara State, born on 15 September 2004.

“Preliminary information indicates that he attended Mualledi Model Primary School, Maradun, and Government Day Secondary School, Maradun.

“He reportedly joined JIBWIS in 2025 and recently secured admission to study for a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communication at Zamfara State University, Talata Mafara,” Bello said.

He said that the Command had commenced a comprehensive investigation into the incident.

Bello assured that upon conclusion of the investigation, the suspect would be charged before a court of competent jurisdiction for alleged offences relating to incitement to violence, disturbance of public peace and criminal intimidation.

He said that the alleged offence had violeted section 77, 78 and 380 b of the Penal code law applicable in Zamfara state as supported by the evidence and applicable law.

“The Zamfara State Police Command wishes to reassure citizens of all religious affiliations that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to protecting every individual and safeguarding the constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, including the freedom to practise and manifest one’s religion, subject to the provisions of the Constitution and other applicable laws.

“The Command strongly condemns any conduct capable of promoting religious hatred, threatening the safety of any community, or undermining peaceful coexistence,” Bello said.

The command, therefore, urged religious leaders, parents, guardians, school authorities and community stakeholders to promote tolerance, mutual respect and responsible conduct, particularly among young people.

Bello advised members of the public to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and refrain from actions capable of escalating religious tension or disturbing public order.

“The Command remains resolute in its duty to uphold the law, protect lives and property, defend the rights of all citizens without discrimination, and work with relevant stakeholders to sustain peace and security throughout Zamfara State,” he assured.END