The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the arrest of 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 video, which has been widely circulated on social media, reportedly shows a young man dressed in the uniform of Jama’atu Izalatil Bidi’a Wa’ikamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS) making statements threatening public peace and peaceful coexistence.
Following the circulation of the video, 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 disassociated itself from the alleged conduct and handed the suspect over to the police.
The suspect, identified as Umar Ibrahim Gandi Maradun, has been taken into custody and a comprehensive investigation into the incident has commenced.
The Force stated that the investigation is ongoing and that the suspect will be charged before a competent court if sufficient evidence establishes the commission of an offence under applicable laws.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to protecting all citizens irrespective of religious affiliation and upholding the constitutional right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, adding that it will take lawful action against any conduct capable of inciting religious hatred or threatening public peace.
Meanwhile, members of the public have been urged to refrain from further sharing the video or circulating unverified information that could heighten religious tensions, and to remain calm while the police conclude their investigation.
