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 allegedly containing statements capable of inciting religious violence.
The Force said the video reportedly 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 and peaceful coexistence.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said the Zamfara State Police Command had activated its intelligence resources to identify those involved in the incident.
According to the statement, the police also engaged the leadership of JIBWIS at both national and state levels, following which the organisation reportedly dissociated itself from the alleged conduct and handed the suspect over to the police.
The police said the suspect had been arrested for investigation, adding that a comprehensive investigation into the incident was ongoing.
It stated that the suspect would be charged before a competent court if sufficient evidence established that he had committed an offence under the applicable law.
The Force reiterated its commitment to protecting all citizens, irrespective of their religious affiliations, and upholding the constitutional rights to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
It warned that appropriate lawful action would be taken against any conduct capable of inciting religious hatred, provoking violence or threatening public peace.
The police also urged members of the public to refrain from further sharing the video or circulating unverified information that could heighten religious tensions or threaten public order.
The statement appealed to the public to remain calm and allow the police to conclude their investigation.
It reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, maintaining public order and promoting peaceful coexistence across the country.
