Police Arrest 22-Year-Old Zamfara Youth Over Viral Video Inciting Religious Violence
The Nigeria Police Force has arrested one Umar Ibrahim Gandi Maradun, a 22-year-old from Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State, over a viral video allegedly containing statements capable of inciting religious violence.
The video shows a young man dressed in the uniform of Jama’atu Izalatil Bidi’a Wa’ikamatus Sunnah, JIBWIS, First Aid Group, allegedly making statements threatening public peace and peaceful coexistence.
Recall that the viral video showed youths in JIBWIS uniform chanting for AK-47 rifles to attack a church in Enugu on Sunday.
Giving update on the investigation, Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said the Zamfara State Police Command activated its intelligence resources to identify those involved and engaged the leadership of JIBWIS at the national and state levels.
According to him, the organisation’s leadership disassociated itself from the alleged conduct and handed the suspect over to the police.
“The Zamfara State Police Command has taken the following steps: Activated its intelligence resources to identify those involved. Engaged the leadership of JIBWIS at the national and state levels. The organisation’s leadership reportedly disassociated the organisation from the alleged conduct and handed the suspect over to the police. Arrested the suspect, identified as Umar Ibrahim Gandi Maradun, for investigation. Commenced a comprehensive investigation into the incident,” the police statement said.
The Force said investigation is ongoing and the suspect will be charged before a competent court where sufficient evidence establishes commission of an offence.
“The Nigeria Police Force reiterates its commitment to protecting all citizens, irrespective of religious affiliation, and upholding the constitutional right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. The Force will take appropriate lawful action against conduct capable of inciting religious hatred, provoking violence or threatening public peace,” CSP Iniedu said.
The police urged members of the public to refrain from further sharing the video or circulating unverified information that could heighten religious tensions.
“Members of the public are urged to refrain from further sharing the video or circulating unverified information that could heighten religious tensions or threaten public order. The public is advised to remain calm and allow the police to conclude the investigation,” the statement added.
