The Zamfara State Police Command has arrested a young man identified as Umar Ibrahim Gandi Maradun over a viral video allegedly showing him chanting a song calling for the killing of Christians in Enugu and Jos.
The video, which sparked widespread outrage online, reportedly showed the suspect wearing a uniform associated with Jama’atu Izalatil Bidi’a Wa’ikamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), Zamfara State Chapter, while leading a drill involving pupils from two Islamic schools in Maradun Local Government Area.
Gandi was reportedly apprehended by JIBWIS members before being handed over to the police for investigation.
The footage circulated online on Monday, October 26, with many Nigerians calling for his arrest and prosecution over the alleged incitement to religious violence.
Confirming the arrest, the state Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Bello, said the command was committed to protecting all residents, irrespective of their religious beliefs or affiliations.
According to the police, the video allegedly contains the words, “Give us rifles to go and kill Christians.”
The command said it deployed intelligence resources to identify those involved and establish the circumstances surrounding the recording.
Police Reveal Details of Viral Video
Preliminary findings by the police reportedly indicate that the video was recorded on Friday, October 23, 2026, while the suspect was on his way to Aliyu Ibn Abi Thalib Mosque.
He and others were reportedly involved in providing security during Friday prayers and preaching.
The two Islamic schools identified in connection with the footage are Nurul Islam Islamiya and Akidatul Sahiha Islamiya, both located in Maradun Local Government Area, approximately 120 kilometres from Gusau, the Zamfara State capital.
The police said they had engaged JIBWIS leaders at both the national and state levels following the video’s emergence. The organisation reportedly disassociated itself from the suspect’s alleged conduct and the recording.
Suspect Faces Possible Charges
According to the police, preliminary information indicates that Gandi was born on September 15, 2004. He reportedly attended Mualledi Model Primary School and Government Day Secondary School, both in Maradun.
The command further stated that he joined JIBWIS in 2025 and had recently secured admission to study for a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communication at Zamfara State University, Talata Mafara.
Commissioner Bello said investigations were ongoing and that the suspect would be charged before a court of competent jurisdiction upon their conclusion.
The proposed charges reportedly relate to alleged incitement to violence, disturbance of public peace and criminal intimidation under Sections 77, 78 and 380(b) of the Penal Code Law applicable in Zamfara State, subject to the evidence gathered and the applicable law.
The police have not announced the outcome of the investigation, and the allegations against the suspect remain subject to judicial determination.
