By Our Reporter
The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a 22-year-old man, Umar Ibrahim Gandi Maradun, from Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State, over a viral video allegedly containing statements capable of inciting religious violence.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, noting that the video reportedly showed a young man dressed in the uniform of Jama’atu Izalatil Bidi’a Wa’ikamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS) making statements considered capable of threatening public peace and peaceful coexistence.
According to the statement, the Zamfara State Police Command activated its intelligence resources to identify those involved and engaged the leadership of JIBWIS at both national and state levels.
The organisation’s leadership reportedly dissociated itself from the alleged conduct and handed the suspect over to the police for investigation.
The police said a comprehensive investigation had commenced, adding that the suspect would be charged before a competent court if sufficient evidence established that an offence had been committed under applicable laws.
The Force reiterated its commitment to protecting citizens irrespective of their religious affiliations and upholding the constitutional rights to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. It warned that appropriate legal action would be taken against conduct capable of inciting religious hatred, provoking violence or threatening public peace.
The police urged members of the public to refrain from further sharing the video or circulating unverified information that could heighten religious tensions, while calling for calm as investigations continue.
The statement reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, maintaining public order and promoting peaceful coexistence across the country.
