- Three suspected “Sai Malam” cult members arrested, including alleged leader Usman Shu’aibu.
- Cult group used WhatsApp platform “Red Chamber” to recruit youths for rituals and criminal acts.
- Parents advised to monitor children’s online activities to prevent exploitation by criminal gangs.
- Sokoto police assure public of intelligence-driven operations to track and arrest fleeing members.
The Sokoto State Police Command has apprehended three suspected members of the notorious “Sai Malam” cult group, linked to violent crimes and ritual activities in parts of the state. The arrests follow an intelligence-led operation by the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, underscoring the growing role of social media in criminal recruitment.
The suspects, including the alleged gang leader, Usman Shu’aibu, were apprehended on Friday during a coordinated operation by the Sokoto State Police Anti-Kidnapping Unit. Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, confirmed the suspects admitted being initiated into the cult via a private WhatsApp group called Red Chamber.
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Investigations revealed that the social media channel was used to lure unsuspecting youths into criminal activities, including ritual practices, acts of violence, and unlawful sexual conduct.
Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Musa, stated that the arrests were a direct response to growing public concerns about the cult’s activities. He assured residents that the command is committed to sustained intelligence-led policing and safeguarding lives and property across the state.
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In a separate incident in Ondo State, two men, Shina Jacob (25) and Felix Olalekan (32), were arrested for allegedly stabbing a police inspector to death during an altercation in Akure. Police Public Relations Officer Olayinka Ayanlade confirmed that despite prompt medical attention, the officer died in hospital. The suspects were apprehended immediately following the incident as part of ongoing operations to combat violent crime in the state.
“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. The follow-up operation forms part of our strategic efforts to rid the state of violent criminal elements,” Ayanlade stated.
