Zamfara Police Arrest Man for Promoting Religious Violence in Video

Operatives of the Zamfara State Police have arrested Umar Maradun for allegedly making violent remarks during a march. He is accused of encouraging violence against people he called infidels.

The 22-year-old was seen in a viral video that spread on social media on Monday. In the video, he and other young men were chanting statements that promote violence.

They were dressed in uniforms linked to the First Aid Group of Jama’atu Izalat Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah. They called for an AK-47 and threatened attacks in Enugu and Jos.

Due to these chants, JIBWIS and Amnesty International urged security agencies to find and arrest anyone involved.

On Tuesday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, announced Maradun’s arrest in a statement from the Force Headquarters in Abuja. He stated that the suspect made statements that could “threaten public peace and peaceful coexistence.”

“The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the arrest of Umar Ibrahim Gandi Maradun, a 22-year-old from Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State. This is in connection with a viral video that allegedly contains statements that could incite religious violence,” the statement said.

The FPRO added that the video shows a young man dressed in JIBWIS uniform, allegedly making statements that could threaten public peace.

The police command has started an investigation into the incident. Iniedu mentioned that the Zamfara police have also “activated its intelligence resources to identify those involved and engaged the leadership of JIBWIS at both national and state levels.”

The leadership of the organization reportedly distanced itself from Maradun’s actions and handed him over to the police. He will face charges in court.

The Nigeria Police Force emphasized its commitment to protecting all Nigerians, “regardless of religious affiliation, and upholding the constitutional right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. The Force will take lawful action against any conduct that incites religious hatred, provokes violence, or threatens public peace.”

The police also urged the public to stay calm and avoid sharing the video or spreading unverified information that might increase religious tensions or disturb public order.

In a different statement, the State Commissioner of Police, A.M. Bello, revealed that the video was recorded on Friday, October 23, 2023. Maradun and the other youths were on their way to provide security during Friday prayers at a mosque.

Maradun joined JIBWIS in 2025 and got admission to study Mass Communication at Zamfara State University, Talata Mafara.