The Zamfara State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old man, Umar Ibrahim Gandi Maradun, over a viral video allegedly showing him leading a chant calling for the killing of Christians.
The state Commissioner of Police, A.M. Bello, disclosed this on Tuesday during a press briefing in Gusau, saying the command had commenced an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the video and determine the appropriate legal action.
According to the police, the footage circulating on social media showed the suspect wearing the uniform of Jama’atu Izalatil Bidi’a Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), Zamfara State chapter, alongside pupils from two Islamic schools in Maradun Local Government Area.
“The video circulating on social media showed a young man wearing the uniform of Jama’atu Izalatil Bidi’a Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), Zamfara State chapter, in the company of pupils from two Islamic schools in Maradun Local Government Area,” the command said.
Bello said preliminary findings indicated that the video was recorded on Friday, October 23, 2026, while the suspect was reportedly on his way to Aliyu Ibn Abi Thalib Mosque.
He explained that the suspect and others were said to have provided security during Friday prayers and preaching at the mosque.
The police identified the schools connected with the video as Nurul Islam Islamiya and Akidatul Sahiha Islamiya, both located in Maradun, about 120 kilometres from Gusau, the state capital.
Following the circulation of the footage, the command said it deployed intelligence resources to identify those involved and engaged JIBWIS leaders at both national and state levels.
Bello said the organisation had distanced itself from the suspect’s alleged conduct and the content of the video.
The police said the suspect was initially apprehended by JIBWIS before being handed over to the command for investigation.
The command identified him as a Nigerian citizen born on September 15, 2004, and a native of Maradun Local Government Area. He reportedly attended Mualledi Model Primary School and Government Day Secondary School, both in the area.
According to the police, Maradun 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.
The commissioner said the investigation was ongoing and that the suspect would be charged before a court of competent jurisdiction upon its conclusion.
He said possible charges could relate to alleged 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, subject to the evidence gathered and the applicable law.
The command condemned actions capable of promoting religious hatred, threatening communities or undermining peaceful coexistence.
It assured residents, irrespective of their religious affiliations, that the police would protect their lives and property and uphold their constitutionally guaranteed rights without discrimination.
The police also called on religious leaders, parents, guardians, school authorities and community stakeholders to promote tolerance, mutual respect and responsible conduct, particularly among young people.
The command urged members of the public to remain calm, avoid circulating unverified information and refrain from actions that could heighten religious tensions or disrupt public order.
West Trybe reports that the arrest highlights the potential consequences of inflammatory religious content circulated on social media, as authorities investigate the video and consider possible legal action while urging residents to avoid actions that could inflame religious tensions.
