Police arrest 22-year-old man over viral video calling for killing of Christians [video]

The Zamfara State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old man, Umar Ibrahim Gandi Maradun, over a viral social media video in which he was allegedly heard chanting a song calling for the killing of Christians.

The state Commissioner of Police, A. M. Bello, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, saying the command had launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident.

According to Bello, the suspect was wearing the uniform of Jama’atu Izalatil Bidi’a Wa’ikamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), Zamfara State chapter, when the video was recorded.

The police said preliminary findings indicated that the video was recorded on Friday, October 23, 2026, while Maradun was reportedly on his way to Aliyu Ibn Abi Thalib Mosque in Maradun Local Government Area.

He was said to have been in the company of pupils from two Islamic schools and other individuals who reportedly provided security during Friday prayers and preaching at the mosque.

The commissioner said the police deployed intelligence resources to identify those involved and establish the circumstances surrounding the video after it circulated on social media.

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Bello identified the two schools reportedly linked to the incident as Nurul Islam Islamiya and Akidatul Sahiha Islamiya, both located in Maradun, about 120 kilometres from Gusau, the state capital.

He said the command had also engaged JIBWIS leaders at both national and state levels following the emergence of the footage.

According to the police commissioner, the organisation distanced itself from the suspect’s alleged conduct and the content of the video.

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

The police further disclosed that preliminary information showed Maradun 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.

Bello said investigators were examining the circumstances surrounding the recording and the alleged statements contained in the video.

He added that the suspect would be charged in court upon the conclusion of the investigation for alleged offences including incitement to violence, disturbance of public peace and criminal intimidation.

The command urged members of the public to remain calm as investigations continue.

The arrest comes amid concerns over the potential impact of inflammatory statements circulated on social media, particularly content that could incite religious hostility or threaten public peace.

The allegations against Maradun remain subject to investigation and judicial determination.