By Ahmad Ibrahim, Gusau
The Zamfara State Police Command has arrested a member of Jama’atu Izalatil Bidi’a Wa’ikamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS) and commenced an investigation into a viral video in which he was allegedly heard calling for the killing of Christians.
The suspect was reportedly seen in the video wearing a JIBWIS uniform and in the company of pupils from two Islamiyya schools in Maradun Local Government Area of the state.
The Commissioner of Police, CP A.M. Bello, disclosed this during a press briefing in Gusau, where he said the command was alerted to the video circulating on social media.
According to Bello, preliminary investigations revealed that the video was recorded on Friday, October 23, 2026, while the suspect was on his way to Aliyu Ibn Abi Thalib Mosque, where he and others reportedly provided security during Friday prayers.
The police identified the schools whose pupils appeared in the video as Nurul Islam Islamiyya and Akidatul Sahiha Islamiyya, both located in Maradun Local Government Area, about 120 kilometres from Gusau.
The commissioner said the command immediately contacted the leadership of JIBWIS at both national and state levels, adding that the organisation had dissociated itself from the suspect’s alleged conduct.
He said the suspect was subsequently apprehended by JIBWIS and handed over to the police for investigation.
Bello identified the suspect as Umar Ibrahim Gandi Maradun, a native of Maradun Local Government Area, born on September 15, 2004.
The commissioner said the suspect attended Mualledi Model Primary School and Government Day Secondary School, both in Maradun.
He added that the suspect joined JIBWIS in 2025 and recently secured admission to study Mass Communication at Zamfara State University, Talata Mafara.
According to the police commissioner, the suspect would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations for alleged offences of incitement to violence, disturbance of public peace and criminal intimidation under Sections 77, 78 and 380(b) of the Penal Code Law applicable in Zamfara State.
Bello reassured residents of all religious affiliations of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to protecting lives and safeguarding the constitutional rights to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
He condemned acts capable of promoting religious hatred or threatening peaceful coexistence and urged religious leaders, parents, guardians and school authorities to promote tolerance and mutual respect, particularly among young people.
The commissioner also appealed to members of the public to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and refrain from actions capable of escalating religious tension.
The police said the investigation was ongoing.
The allegations against the suspect remain subject to investigation and judicial determination.
