The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a 22-year-old man, Umar Ibrahim Gandi Maradun, over a viral video allegedly containing statements capable of inciting religious violence and threatening public peace. Maradun, from Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State, was arrested by the Zamfara State Police Command following investigations into the video. The police are taking steps to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to the police, the video reportedly showed a young man wearing the uniform of Jama’atu Izalatil Bidi’a Wa’ikamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS) making statements allegedly capable of threatening peaceful coexistence. The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, issued a statement on October 27, confirming the arrest. The police 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. This move demonstrates the leadership's commitment to distancing itself from any actions that could be perceived as promoting violence or inciting religious tensions. The police have commenced a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
The police have warned against sharing the video, urging members of the public to stop circulating it and avoid spreading unverified information that could heighten religious tensions or threaten public order. The Force called on Nigerians to remain calm and allow investigators to conclude their work. This appeal is crucial in maintaining public peace and preventing the spread of misinformation.
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. The Force will take appropriate lawful action against conduct capable of inciting religious hatred, provoking violence or threatening public peace. This stance underscores the police's role in maintaining national security and stability.
The suspect, Maradun, will be charged before a competent court if sufficient evidence establishes an offence under the law. The police are working to conclude their investigation and ensure that justice is served. The incident highlights the need for vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the public in preventing and addressing potential security threats.
The arrest and ongoing investigation demonstrate the Nigeria Police Force's proactive approach to addressing potential security threats and promoting peaceful coexistence among citizens. The public's cooperation and understanding are essential in this effort, as the police work to prevent the spread of violence and incitement. Key to this is the public's role in refraining from sharing unverified information.
Key points
- The Nigeria Police Force arrested a 22-year-old man, Umar Ibrahim Gandi Maradun, over a viral video allegedly inciting religious violence.
- The video showed a young man dressed in the uniform of Jama’atu Izalatil Bidi’a Wa’ikamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS) making statements capable of threatening public peace.
- The police have warned against sharing the video and urged the public to remain calm and allow investigators to conclude their work.
