By Aminu Dalhatu
The Zamfara State Police Command has confirmed that a young man allegedly seen in a viral video chanting words calling for the killing of Christians has been handed over to the Police by the leadership of Jama’atu Izalatil Bidi’a Wa’ikamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS) for investigation in Zamfara.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmad M. Bello, disclosed this during a press briefing in Gusau, the Zamfara State Capital, saying that, the Command had commenced a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
He explained that, the video, which circulated on social media showed the suspect dressed in JIBWIS uniform and chanting, “Give us rifles to go and kill Christians.
CP Bello adding that, the individual was also seen in the company of pupils from two Islamic schools in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
According to him, the Police immediately deployed intelligence resources after the video emerged to identify those involved and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Preliminary findings indicated that the video was recorded on Friday, October 23, 2026, when 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 Police Commissioner disclosed that the Command had engaged JIBWIS leadership at both national and state levels following the incident.
According to him, the organisation distanced itself from the suspect’s alleged conduct and the content of the video before handing him over to the Police for further investigation.
The suspect was identified as Umar Ibrahim Gandi Maradun, a 22-year-old Nigerian and indigene of Maradun Local Government Area, born on September 15, 2004.
Police preliminary information indicates that he attended Mualledi Model Primary School and Government Day Secondary School, both in Maradun.
He reportedly 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 two Islamic schools mentioned in connection with the video are Nurul Islam Islamiya and Akidatul Sahiha Islamiya, both located in Maradun, about 120 kilometres from Gusau, the state capital.
The Police Command said the investigation would determine the circumstances surrounding the video and establish whether the suspect committed any offence under the law.
CP Bello stated that the suspect would be charged before a court of competent jurisdiction upon the conclusion of the investigation if the available evidence supports the alleged offences of incitement to violence, disturbance of public peace and criminal intimidation.
He cited Sections 77, 78 and 380(b) of the Penal Code Law applicable in Zamfara State as provisions under which the alleged offences would be considered, subject to the evidence and applicable law.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the Police Command’s commitment to protecting residents of all religious affiliations and safeguarding their constitutionally guaranteed rights to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
He condemned actions capable of promoting religious hatred, threatening communities or undermining peaceful coexistence, urging religious leaders, parents, guardians and school authorities to encourage tolerance and responsible conduct among young people.
The Police also appealed to residents to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and refrain from actions capable of heightening religious tensions or disrupting public order.
CP Bello assured residents that the Command would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to protect lives and property, uphold the law and sustain peace across Zamfara State.
Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
