The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a 22-year-old man, Umar Ibrahim Gandi Maradun, from Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State, over a viral video containing statements capable of inciting religious violence.
This was revealed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.
According to the statement, the video features a young man dressed in the uniform of Jama’atu Izalatil Bidi’a Wa’ikamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), making remarks considered capable of threatening public peace and peaceful coexistence.
The statement said the Zamfara State Police Command activated its intelligence resources to identify those involved and initiated steps to address the situation.
It added that the police engaged the leadership of JIBWIS at both the national and state levels. The organisation subsequently distanced itself from the conduct in the video and handed the suspect over to the police.
The suspect has been taken into custody as investigations into the circumstances surrounding the video continue.
The police said the investigation would determine the full circumstances of the incident, adding that the suspect would be charged before a competent court if sufficient evidence establishes that an offence was committed under the law.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting citizens irrespective of their religious beliefs, the Force said it would take appropriate legal action against individuals whose actions promote religious hatred, incite violence or threaten public order.
The police also urged members of the public to avoid sharing the video further or circulating unverified information capable of escalating religious tensions.
The Force called for calm and urged the public to allow investigators to complete their work, stressing its commitment to protecting lives and property, maintaining public order and promoting peaceful coexistence across the country.
