The Zamfara State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old man, Umar Ibrahim Gandi, over a viral social media video allegedly containing calls for violence against Christians. The police accused Gandi, a native of Maradun Local Government Area of the state, of alleged incitement to violence, disturbance of public peace and…...
The Zamfara State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old man, Umar Ibrahim Gandi, over a viral social media video allegedly containing calls for violence against Christians.
The police accused Gandi, a native of Maradun Local Government Area of the state, of alleged incitement to violence, disturbance of public peace and criminal intimidation.
The suspect was reportedly seen in the video alongside other pupils from two Islamic schools in Maradun, dressed in uniforms bearing the name of Jama’atu Izalatil Bidi’a Wa’ikamatus Sunnah and chanting a song containing the words, “give us AK47 rifles to go and kill Christians.”
Addressing a press conference in Gusau, the state Commissioner of Police, Ahmad Bello, said the emergence of the video prompted the command to deploy its intelligence resources to identify those involved and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
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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 added that Gandi and others were said to have provided security during Friday prayers and preaching at the mosque.
The police commissioner condemned the alleged conduct, warning against actions capable of promoting religious hatred, threatening the safety of communities or undermining peaceful coexistence.
The command also reassured residents of all religious affiliations of its commitment to protecting lives and property and upholding the constitutional right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
It said the right includes the freedom to practise and manifest one’s religion, subject to the provisions of the Constitution and other applicable laws.
The police said the investigation would establish the circumstances surrounding the video and the alleged offences.