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.

In a statement issued on October 27, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said 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 video shows a young man dressed in the uniform of Jama’atu Izalatil Bidi’a Wa’ikamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), allegedly making statements capable of threatening public peace and peaceful coexistence”, the statement said.

JIBWIS Leadership Hands Suspect to Police

According to the police, the command activated its intelligence resources to identify those involved and engaged the leadership of JIBWIS at both national and state levels.

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The organisation’s leadership reportedly disassociated itself from the alleged conduct and handed the suspect over to the police.

The command has since commenced a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Police Warn Against Sharing Video

The police said the investigation was ongoing and that the suspect would be charged before a competent court if sufficient evidence established an offence under the law.

The Force also urged members of the public to stop circulating the video and avoid spreading unverified information that could heighten religious tensions or threaten public order.

It called on Nigerians to remain calm and allow investigators to conclude their work.

The Nigeria Police Force further reiterates 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.