Zamfara police arrest man over viral anti-Christian video

File: A Nigerian Policeman.

The Zamfara State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old man, Umar Ibrahim Gandi Maradun, over a viral video allegedly showing him chanting a song calling for the killing of Christians.

He was reportedly apprehended by the leadership of Jama’atu Izalatil Bidi’a Wa’ikamatus Sunnah before being handed over to the police for investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, A.M. Bello, disclosed this on Tuesday during a press briefing in Gusau, the state capital, saying the command had launched an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“The video circulating on social media showed a young man wearing the uniform of Jama’atu Izalatil Bidi’a Wa’ikamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), Zamfara State chapter, in the company of pupils from two Islamic schools in Maradun Local Government Area,” the police said.

According to Bello, 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, 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, about 120 kilometres from Gusau, the state capital,” the police commissioner said.

According to the police, the video allegedly contains the words, “Give us rifles to go and kill Christians,” prompting concerns over possible religious incitement.

The command said it deployed intelligence resources to identify the individuals involved after the video emerged and engaged JIBWIS leaders at the national and state levels.

Bello said the organisation had disassociated itself from the suspect’s alleged conduct and the content of the video.

“The suspect was apprehended by JIBWIS and subsequently handed over to the Zamfara State Police Command for investigation,” the statement added.

The police identified the suspect as a Nigerian citizen born on September 15, 2004, and a native of Maradun Local Government Area.

Related News

• Police arrest man over video inciting religious violence in Zamfara
• CAN demands probe of viral video threatening ‘infidels’ in Enugu, Jos
• Amnesty, JIBWIS leaders demand probe of viral video threatening Christians

He reportedly attended Mualledi Model Primary School and Government Day Secondary School, both in Maradun.

According to the command, the suspect joined JIBWIS in 2025 and recently gained 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 the proposed charges would 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 applicable law.

The command condemned conduct capable of promoting religious hatred, threatening communities or undermining peaceful coexistence.

It also assured residents of all religious affiliations that the police would protect their lives and property and uphold their constitutionally guaranteed rights without discrimination.

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

The command further appealed to members of the public to remain calm, avoid circulating unverified information and refrain from actions capable of escalating religious tensions or disrupting public order.

The incident has drawn attention to concerns over inflammatory religious content circulating on social media and the potential consequences for relations between religious communities.

JIBWIS leaders, on Monday, condemned the viral video and called for investigation by the security agencies.

The police said they remained committed to investigating the matter, enforcing the law and maintaining peace and security across Zamfara State.