Zamfara police arrest Umar Gandi over video threatening Christians

The Zamfara State Police Command has arrested a youth identified as Umar Ibrahim Gandi Maradun over a viral video allegedly showing him leading chants calling for attacks against Christians.

The suspect was reportedly apprehended by leaders of Jama’atu Izalatil Bidi’a Wa’ikamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS) before being handed over to the police for investigation.

Commissioner of Police Muhammad Bello disclosed the arrest while briefing journalists in Gusau on Tuesday, October 27, saying the command had deployed intelligence resources to identify those involved and establish the circumstances surrounding the recording.

The video allegedly contains a chant calling for rifles to attack Christians. The footage reportedly shows the suspect wearing a uniform associated with JIBWIS alongside pupils from two Islamic schools in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The schools identified in connection with the footage are Nurul Islam Islamiya and Akidatul Sahiha Islamiya.

Preliminary police findings indicate that the recording was made on Friday, October 23, while the suspect was reportedly on his way to Aliyu Ibn Abi Thalib Mosque. He and others were said to have been providing security during Friday prayers and preaching.

Bello said the command had engaged JIBWIS leaders at both national and state levels following the emergence of the video. The organisation reportedly disassociated itself from the alleged conduct.

The commissioner condemned statements capable of promoting religious hatred, threatening public safety or undermining peaceful coexistence. He reaffirmed the police command’s commitment to protecting residents regardless of their religious beliefs.

He added that the suspect would be charged before a court of competent jurisdiction after the investigation had been concluded.

The proposed charges include alleged incitement to violence, disturbance of public peace and criminal intimidation under Sections 77, 78 and 380(b) of the Penal Code Law applicable in Zamfara State, subject to the evidence gathered and the applicable law.

The video has generated widespread concern over alleged threats against Christians and the involvement of young people in the footage.

The police urged religious leaders, parents, school authorities and community stakeholders to promote tolerance and mutual respect, particularly among young people.

Bello also appealed to members of the public to remain calm, avoid circulating unverified information and refrain from actions that could heighten religious tensions.