Sokoto State Police Command has arrested three suspected members of Sai Malam cult group.
Gatekeepers News reports that this follows an intelligence-driven operation carried out by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit. Among those arrested is the alleged leader, Usman Shu’aibu.
Police spokesperson DSP Ahmad Rufa’i said the suspects admitted they were initiated through a private WhatsApp group known as Red Chamber.
Investigators later found that the online platform was being used to lure young people into various criminal practices, including ritual activities, the pursuit of supposed demonic powers, homosexuality, and violent thuggery.
The police urged parents to remain vigilant about their children’s online engagements, warning that criminal groups are increasingly using social media to manipulate vulnerable youths.
Commissioner of Police Ahmed Musa said the arrest follows growing public concern about the group’s operations and confirmed that efforts are underway to track additional members who fled.
He assured residents that the command will continue to rely on intelligence-led strategies to protect lives and property across Sokoto State.
In a separate development, the Ondo State Police Command arrested two men accused of stabbing a police inspector to death in Akure. The suspects, identified as Shina Jacob, 25, and Felix Olalekan, 32, allegedly attacked the officer during a dispute at Oke-Arata in the Arakale area.
The incident occurred just days after a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps officer was killed by a mentally unstable man in Oba-Ile. Witnesses said the attack on the inspector caused panic in the neighbourhood as residents and traders fled the area.
Police spokesperson Olayinka Ayanlade confirmed that the officer was rushed to the hospital after being stabbed but later died while receiving treatment.
An altercation ensued between the officer and some recalcitrant individuals, during which the officer was tragically stabbed. This unfortunate event triggered an immediate and coordinated police response.
Acting swiftly, the Commissioner of Police deployed a team of operatives to the scene, resulting in the arrest of two suspects directly connected to the incident. They include Shina Jacob ‘m’ aged 25 years and Felix Olalekan ‘m’ aged 32 years.
Ayanlade said, “The injured officer was also rescued and rushed to the hospital; however, despite all efforts, the police inspector sadly passed away while receiving treatment.”
“The follow-up operation conducted last night formed part of the Command’s sustained and strategic efforts to rid the state of violent criminal elements and prevent further breaches of public safety.”
