The Zamfara State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old man, Umar Ibrahim Gandi Maradun, over a viral video allegedly showing him chanting words calling for the killing of Christians.
The arrest followed the circulation of footage that reportedly showed the suspect wearing the uniform of Jama’atu Izalatil Bidi’a Wa’ikamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), alongside pupils from two Islamic schools in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The police said the suspect was handed over to the command by the leadership of JIBWIS in the state for investigation.
At a press briefing in Gusau on Tuesday, the Commissioner of Police, Ahmad M. Bello, confirmed that the command had commenced an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the video and determine the appropriate legal action.
Police Investigate Alleged Incitement
According to the police, the video allegedly showed the suspect chanting, “Give us rifles to go and kill Christians.”
The footage generated concern over the potential for religiously motivated violence and the implications of public statements that appear to threaten people because of their faith.
The police commissioner said the command deployed intelligence resources after the video emerged to identify those involved and establish the circumstances in which it was recorded.
The investigation is expected to examine the content of the footage, the identities of those appearing in it and any circumstances that may be relevant to determining responsibility.
Police authorities have described the alleged conduct as potentially involving incitement to violence, disturbance of public peace and criminal intimidation.
However, the allegations remain subject to investigation, and the suspect’s guilt has not been established by a court.
JIBWIS Hands Suspect Over to Police
The suspect’s handover by the JIBWIS leadership forms part of the developments surrounding the investigation.
The organisation’s involvement is significant because the video reportedly showed the suspect wearing its uniform.
Authorities will need to establish the circumstances in which the uniform was worn, the context of the recording and whether any other individuals were involved in the conduct under investigation.
The presence of pupils from two Islamic schools in the footage has also raised concerns about the exposure of young people to messages that could encourage hostility or violence.
The investigation may help clarify the circumstances surrounding their appearance in the video and whether any additional safeguarding measures are necessary.
Police Urge Calm and Religious Tolerance
The incident has renewed attention to the importance of preventing religious hostility and protecting the rights and safety of citizens across Nigeria.
The police are responsible for investigating alleged criminal conduct while ensuring that suspects are treated in accordance with the law.
Religious leaders, community representatives, parents and school authorities also have important roles in promoting peaceful coexistence and discouraging rhetoric that could inflame tensions.
Any response to the incident will need to distinguish between the alleged actions of an individual and the broader religious community.
The Zamfara State Police Command is expected to continue its investigation and determine the next legal steps based on the evidence gathered.
The case also highlights the importance of responsible social media use, particularly when videos involving threats, religious identity or public safety circulate widely before all the circumstances have been established.