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 arrest was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday, by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, from the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
According to the police, the video reportedly shows a young man dressed in the uniform of Jama’atu Izalatil Bidi’a Wa’ikamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), allegedly making remarks capable of threatening public peace and peaceful coexistence.
The police said the Zamfara State Command activated its intelligence resources to identify those involved and commenced an investigation into the incident.
The statement added that the command engaged the leadership of JIBWIS at both national and state levels following the circulation of the video.
The organisation’s leadership reportedly distanced itself from the alleged conduct and handed the suspect over to the police for further investigation.
The police said a comprehensive investigation was ongoing, adding that the suspect would be charged before a competent court if sufficient evidence established that an offence had been committed under the applicable laws.
Reaffirming its commitment to public safety, the Force said it would take appropriate legal action against conduct capable of promoting religious hatred, provoking violence or threatening public order.
It also stressed the importance of protecting the rights of all citizens, regardless of their religious affiliations, including their constitutional rights to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
The police urged members of the public to remain calm and avoid sharing the video further or circulating unverified information that could heighten religious tensions or undermine public order.
The Force called on the public to allow investigators to conclude their work, reiterating its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, maintaining public order and promoting peaceful coexistence across Nigeria.
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